The Discovery of Millisecond Pulsars: Don Backer and the Response to the Unexpected

TL;DR

The discovery of millisecond pulsars by Don Backer in 1982 revolutionized pulsar astronomy, opening new avenues for scientific research and impacting physics and astronomy profoundly over the past four decades.

Contribution

This paper reviews the historical discovery of millisecond pulsars and their significant scientific impact over the last 40 years.

Findings

Discovery of the first millisecond pulsar B1937+21 in 1982.

Millisecond pulsars have significantly advanced understanding in physics and astronomy.

The discovery inspired ongoing research and new scientific investigations.

Abstract

It has now been just over four decades since the first discovery of a millisecond spin period pulsar (MSP), B1937+21, by Don Backer and collaborators in late 1982. This finding of an entirely new class of astronomical object revolutionized pulsar astronomy and provided inspiration for novel scientific investigation for decades to come, continuing to the current day and beyond. Here we review the events leading to the discovery, based on archival material, personal correspondence, and first-hand accounts of several of the participants. We also briefly review the enormous impact that MSPs have had on physics and astronomy by highlighting major MSP-related science of the past 40 years.