Astronomy:PSR B1509-58
From HandWiki
Observation data Equinox J2000.0]] (ICRS) | |
---|---|
Constellation | Circinus |
Right ascension | 15h 13m 55.52s |
Declination | −59° 08′ 08.80″ |
Characteristics | |
Spectral type | Pulsar |
Astrometry | |
Distance | 170,000 ly |
Database references | |
SIMBAD | data |
PSR B1509-58 is a pulsar approximately 17,000 light-years away in the constellation of Circinus discovered by the Einstein X-Ray Observatory in 1982.[1] It appears approximately 1,700 years old,[2] and it sits in a nebula that spans about 150 light years.[3] NASA described the star as "a rapidly spinning neutron star which is spewing energy out into the space around it to create complex and intriguing structures, including one that resembles a large cosmic hand." Which is also known by name "Hand of God". [4] Spin rate is "almost 7 times per second".
Gallery
Size comparisons: PSR B1509-58 and Crab Nebula.
References
- ↑ Seward F. D., Harnden Jr F. R., 1982, ApJ, 256, L45
- ↑ "How Old Is It?". Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 2009-04-03. http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2009/b1509/how_old.html.
- ↑ "PSR B1509-58: A Young Pulsar Shows its Hand". Harvard. 2009-04-03. http://chandra.harvard.edu/photo/2009/b1509/.
- ↑ "NASA photos show giant cosmic hand". CNN. 2009-04-14. http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/04/14/space.hand/index.html?iref=mpstoryview=.
External links