SNR G54.1+0.3: A supernova remnant
about 16,000 light years from Earth.
Caption: Chandra's image of this
supernova remnant shows a bright ring of high-energy particles
with a central point-like source. This observation enabled
scientists to use the giant Arecibo Radio Telescope to search
for and locate the pulsar, or neutron star that powers the ring.
The ring of particles and two jet-like structures appear to be
due to the energetic flow of radiation and particles from the
rapidly spinning neutron star rotating 7 times per second. These
discoveries will help scientists better understand how neutron
stars channel enormous amounts of energy into particles moving
near the speed of light.
Scale: Image is 2.7 x 2 arcmin.
Chandra X-ray Observatory ACIS
Image
CXC operated for
NASA by the Smithsonian Astrophysical
Observatory
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