On the implications of the submillisecond pulsar in Supernova 1987A

Abstract

We discuss the implications of the ultra rapid rotation rate of 1968 Hz of the newly discovered pulsar in supernova 1987A, as well as the sinusoidal modulation of the frequency. It is argued that all the available evidence suggests that the pulsar has a very low magnetic field, about l0^9 G. The significance of this is discussed in detail.