PSR B1509−58
Pulsar in the constellation Circinus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
PSR B1509−58 is a pulsar approximately at a distance of 17,000 light-years in the constellation of Circinus discovered by the Einstein X-Ray Observatory in 1982.[3] Its diameter is only 12 miles (19 km). It is located in a Pulsar wind nebula created by itself, that was caused as a remnant of the Supernova (SNR) MSH 15−52 visual approximately 1,700 years ago at the southern celestial hemisphere not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.[4][5] The nebula spans about 150 light years.[6]
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| Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Circinus[1] |
| Right ascension | 15h 13m 55.52s[2] |
| Declination | −59° 08′ 08.8″[2] |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | Pulsar |
| Astrometry | |
| Distance | 17,000 ly (5,200 ± 1,400 pc) |
| Details | |
| Rotation | 0.151581943393 s[2] |
| Age | 1,570 years |
| Other designations | |
| PSR 1509–58[2] | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
The 0.1515 second (6.597 Hz) pulsations are detected in the radio, X-ray, and γ-ray bands.[7]
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".[8] It is also known by the name "Hand of God".[9] This phenomenon is called pareidolia and is only temporary.
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Composite image Chandra X-ray Observatory & WISE: X-rays are gold; infrared in red, green and blue/max.
To track this motion, Chandra data is shown, from 2004, 2008, and then a combined image from observations taken in late 2017 and early 2018. These three epochs are shown in the inset of the main graphic.- Sequence of images of optical, X-ray, radio, and infra-red emission
- Tour of PSR B1509−58.
- Sequence of PSR B1509−58 images.
- Size comparisons: PSR B1509−58 and Crab Nebula.
