Briefing: After 20 years, scientists finally explain the Crab Pulsar’s strange “zebra stripes”

For over two decades, the Crab Pulsar's radio emissions have presented a puzzling pattern known as 'zebra stripes', characterized by alternating bright bands and dark gaps.

The latest study indicates that these patterns arise from a cosmic tug-of-war involving gravitational forces, providing a clearer understanding of the pulsar's emissions.

This research, published on March 28, 2026, contributes significantly to the field of astrophysics by resolving a long-standing mystery surrounding the Crab Pulsar's behavior.