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.[2] It appears approximately 1,700 years old,[3] and it sits in a nebula that spans about 150 light years.[4] 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." It is also known by the name "Hand of God".[5] The spin rate is "almost 7 times per second".
| Observation data Epoch J2000 Equinox J2000 | |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Circinus |
| Right ascension | 15h 13m 55.52s[1] |
| Declination | −59° 08′ 08.8″[1] |
| Characteristics | |
| Spectral type | Pulsar |
| Astrometry | |
| Distance | 17,000 ly |
| Details | |
| Rotation | 0.1502 s[1] |
| Other designations | |
PSR 1509-58[1] | |
| Database references | |
| SIMBAD | data |
Gallery edit
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Tour of PSR B1509−58.
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Sequence of PSR B1509−58 images.
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Size comparisons: PSR B1509−58 and Crab Nebula.
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Hand of God image
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d Caraveo, P. A.; Mereghetti, S.; Bignami, G. F. (1994). "An Optical Counterpart for PSR 1509-58". The Astrophysical Journal. 423: L125. Bibcode:1994ApJ...423L.125C. doi:10.1086/187252.
- ^ Seward, F. D.; Harnden, F. R. Jr. (May 1982). "A new, fast X-ray pulsar in the supernova remnant MSH 15-52". The Astrophysical Journal. 256: L45. Bibcode:1982ApJ...256L..45S. doi:10.1086/183793.
- ^ "How Old Is It?". Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 2009-04-03. Archived from the original on 2014-01-10. Retrieved 2014-01-10.
- ^ "PSR B1509-58: A Young Pulsar Shows its Hand". Harvard. 2009-04-03.
- ^ "NASA photos show giant cosmic hand". CNN. 2009-04-14.
External links edit
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