RX J0822−4300

RX J0822−4300, often referred to as a "Cosmic Cannonball", is a radio-quiet neutron star currently moving away from the center of the Puppis A supernova remnant at 672±115 km/s, making it one of the fastest-moving stars ever found.^[3] Earlier, it was believed to move with speed as high as 1,500 km/s. Astronomers used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to observe the star over a period of 11 years to determine its speed.^[3]

ConstellationPuppis^[1]

Right ascension08^h 22^m 26.84^s[2]

Declination−43° 10′ 26.2″^[2]

Quick facts Constellation, Right ascension ...

RX J0822−4300

Motion of the neutron star RX J0822−4300 from the Puppis A supernova event
Observation data Epoch J2000.0      Equinox ICRS
Constellation	Puppis[1]
Right ascension	08h 22m 26.84s[2]
Declination	−43° 10′ 26.2″[2]
Astrometry
Distance	2,000[citation needed] pc
Galactic coordinates	260.3841 −03.4718
Other designations
PSR J0822−4300, 1RXS J082158.2−430022
Database references
SIMBAD	data

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Although the cosmic cannonball is not the only hypervelocity star discovered, it is unique in the apparent origin of its speed. Others may have derived theirs from a gravitational slingshot around the Milky Way's suspected supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A*. Current theories fail to explain how such speeds can be attained from a supernova explosion. It could be a possible quark star.