NASA has recently released X-ray images of a dead collapsed star that bears a striking resemblance to the bones of a “ghostly cosmic hand.” These captivating images were captured by two of NASA’s X-ray space telescopes and showcase the remains of a collapsed star located a staggering 16,000 light-years away from Earth.
Once a giant star in our very own Milky Way galaxy, this collapsed star exhausted its nuclear fuel approximately 1,500 years ago, leading to its collapse onto itself and the formation of a neutron star. Along with its powerful magnetic fields, known as pulsars, this neutron star produced jets of matter and antimatter that resulted in the creation of a magnificent phenomenon called a “pulsar wind nebula.”
The pulsar wind nebula associated with this particular neutron star, also known as MSH 15-52, takes on the shape of a human hand. NASA’s newly developed X-ray telescope, the IXPE, meticulously observed MSH 15-52 over a period of 17 days and revealed the intricate “bones” of the hand-shaped structure.
The data collected by the IXPE has provided scientists with the first-ever map of the magnetic field within the hand-shaped nebula. Notably, the observations have exposed intriguing details, including a vivid X-ray jet that extends from the pulsar to the “wrist” of the hand. Interestingly, the polarization at the initial point of the jet is relatively low but consistently increases as the magnetic field lines straighten and become more uniform.
Moreover, the results suggest that particles within turbulent regions surrounding the pulsar receive an energy boost and subsequently flow towards areas where the magnetic field is more uniform. This discovery sheds light on the complex dynamics taking place within these mesmerizing cosmic structures.
In a remarkable parallel, NASA’s Juno mission to Jupiter stumbled upon a haunting-like “face” on the surface of the gas giant shortly before the release of these captivating X-ray images. These consecutive cosmic discoveries have both fascinated and enthralled scientists and space enthusiasts alike, providing further evidence of the marvels that exist beyond our own planet.
Further investigations continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, as researchers strive to quench our insatiable curiosity about the vastness of outer space. The shared experiences of navigating the depths of the cosmos beckon humanity to look upwards and embrace the wonders that lie beyond our world.
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