Magnetars

A neutron star is one possible end point of stellar evolution, and many of them have been observed, both in our galaxy and in nearby galaxies. One manifestation of a neutron star is a magnetar, whose surface magnetic field strength exceeds the quantum-critical limit of 4.4 × 1013 G. About a dozen of these unusual objects has been identified now via their X- and gamma-radiation. Their properties are reviewed briefly.