2026 workshop program
Pulsar Passage: Predicting Dynamical and Environmental Impacts on the Solar System
The work
Abstract
Pulsars, rapidly rotating neutron stars formed from supernova explosions, are among the universe’s most extreme astrophysical objects. Characterized by immense gravitational pull, intense radiation, and powerful magnetic fields, these celestial bodies provide invaluable opportunities to study extreme physics. Although the scenario of a pulsar entering the solar system is rare and hypothetical, analyzing such an event offers significant insights into planetary dynamics and cosmic hazard evaluation.
This study explores the theoretical consequences of a pulsar’s passage through our solar system using advanced gravitational modeling, radiation flux analysis, and magnetic field interaction simulations. Simulation tools such as Universe Sandbox, Stellarium, and MATLAB enable precise predictions of pulsar trajectories, planetary movements, and interactions with magnetic fields. Additionally, this work incorporates elements of computational and AI-driven predictive modeling to analyze time-dependent pulsar motion. Importantly, the analysis is supported by real observational datasets, including parameters such as pulsar mass, velocity, distance, right ascension (RA), declination (Dec), and radial velocity, which are used to model trajectories and improve prediction accuracy.
Results show that a close pulsar encounter could disturb planetary orbits, strip atmospheres, and disrupt Earth’s magnetic shielding and technological systems. Furthermore, I track the year-by-year distance evolution of nearby pulsars, estimating their current positions relative to the solar system and forecasting how close they may approach in future years using trajectory modeling based on observational data. Based on these motion trends, I classify pulsars according to their proximity evolution and potential risk levels, forming a predictive framework for identifying future cosmic threats. While the likelihood is low, understanding such events contributes to long-term planetary defense strategies against rare but high-impact astrophysical phenomena.