https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2320/magnetars-origin-story/ Far far away, in the constellation Monoceros, the unicorn, 3,000 light years away from us to be more exact, is an unusual star known as HD 45166. Which is preparing to become the most magnetic powerhouse known to exist in the Universe, a magnetar!   Magnetars are a type of neutron star that holds the record of the object with the strongest magnetic field in the cosmos. For a star to become a magnetar, astronomers initially thought that it had to be really massive.  As it turns out, not quite so much, actually.   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].