PSR B1509−58

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." It is also known by the name "Hand of God". [4] The spin rate is "almost 7 times per second".

X-rays from Chandra are red, green, and blue/max.
PSR B1509−58

X-rays from Chandra are gold; infrared from WISE in red, green and blue/max.
Observation data
Epoch       Equinox
Constellation Circinus
Right ascension 15h 13m 55.52s
Declination −59° 08′ 08.80″
Characteristics
Spectral type Pulsar
Astrometry
Distance17,000 ly
Database references
SIMBADdata

References
  1. 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.
  2. "How Old Is It?". Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. 2009-04-03.
  3. "PSR B1509-58: A Young Pulsar Shows its Hand". Harvard. 2009-04-03.
  4. "NASA photos show giant cosmic hand". CNN. 2009-04-14.


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