Magnetar
An extremely dense neutron star with the strongest magnetic field known in the universe, capable of releasing enormous bursts of energy.
A neutron star with a magnetic field billions of times stronger than Earth's, capable of releasing sudden, intense bursts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. Magnetars are thought to power some fast radio bursts and other high-energy transient phenomena. They represent the most extreme magnetic environments known to exist.
What this means in real life
If a magnetar the size of a city were placed between Earth and the Moon, its magnetic field would be strong enough to erase credit cards and disrupt electronics on Earth—that's how powerful these objects are.
What it isn’t
Not simply a very strong magnet or a regular pulsar with a slightly stronger field. Magnetars have magnetic fields so extreme they fundamentally alter the behavior of matter and energy around them in ways ordinary magnets cannot.
Commonly misused online
Often portrayed as planet-destroying weapons or cosmic catastrophes that could threaten Earth from light-years away. In reality, magnetars are distant objects whose extreme fields only affect nearby material.
Based on 1 reference source, including primary sources. Last verified July 16, 2026.