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Multiwavelength Images of PSR B1509-58
This collection of images shows multiwavelength perspectives on the pulsar PSR B1509-58. The 2 Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) infrared images shows a large area of the sky around the pulsar. The SuperCOSMOS optical image is closer in and shows a surrounding cloud of gas. In the composite image with optical and Chandra X-ray data, the data show the effects of an energetic wind powered by the pulsar. The X-ray emission results from very energetic electrons spiraling in a magnetic field. Finger-like structures extend to the upper right and energize knots of material in the gas cloud. The Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST) radio data shows the larger structure of the supernova remnant SNR G320.4-1.2 that encircles the pulsar PSR B1509.
View Animation
(Credit: X-ray (NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.); Optical (WFAU/SuperCOSMOS); Infrared (2MASS/UMass/IPAC-Caltech); Radio (Molonglo Obs. Synthesis Tel.))
This collection of images shows multiwavelength perspectives on the pulsar PSR B1509-58. The 2 Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) infrared images shows a large area of the sky around the pulsar. The SuperCOSMOS optical image is closer in and shows a surrounding cloud of gas. In the composite image with optical and Chandra X-ray data, the data show the effects of an energetic wind powered by the pulsar. The X-ray emission results from very energetic electrons spiraling in a magnetic field. Finger-like structures extend to the upper right and energize knots of material in the gas cloud. The Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST) radio data shows the larger structure of the supernova remnant SNR G320.4-1.2 that encircles the pulsar PSR B1509.
View Animation
(Credit: X-ray (NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.); Optical (WFAU/SuperCOSMOS); Infrared (2MASS/UMass/IPAC-Caltech); Radio (Molonglo Obs. Synthesis Tel.))
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Size Comparison Between PSR B1509-58 and Crab Nebula
This graphic demonstrates the difference in physical size between the nebula around the pulsar B1509-58 and its more famous cousin, the Crab Nebula, seen on the left. The Crab was generated when a star collapsed, as seen in 1054 A.D. Since then, the nebula its pulsar created has increased in size to some 10 light years. In contrast, astronomers think the B1509-58 system is about 1,700 years old, yet its nebula now covers some 150 light years. The discrepancy in these sizes may be due to the different environment each pulsar was born into. View Animation
(Credit: B1509-58 (NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.); Crab (NASA/CXC/SAO/F.Seward et al.))
This graphic demonstrates the difference in physical size between the nebula around the pulsar B1509-58 and its more famous cousin, the Crab Nebula, seen on the left. The Crab was generated when a star collapsed, as seen in 1054 A.D. Since then, the nebula its pulsar created has increased in size to some 10 light years. In contrast, astronomers think the B1509-58 system is about 1,700 years old, yet its nebula now covers some 150 light years. The discrepancy in these sizes may be due to the different environment each pulsar was born into. View Animation
(Credit: B1509-58 (NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.); Crab (NASA/CXC/SAO/F.Seward et al.))
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Close-up of the Pulsar PSR B1509-58
This graphic shows a close-up of the pulsar PSR B1509-58 in a pull-out image on the left. The central region is shown at a different intensity level to enhance the inner parts of the nebula around the pulsar. A jet-like feature is shown that runs to the lower left of the image and a dark band runs perpendicular to this, just above the central source. Both of these features are similar to structures in the Crab Nebula.
(Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.)
This graphic shows a close-up of the pulsar PSR B1509-58 in a pull-out image on the left. The central region is shown at a different intensity level to enhance the inner parts of the nebula around the pulsar. A jet-like feature is shown that runs to the lower left of the image and a dark band runs perpendicular to this, just above the central source. Both of these features are similar to structures in the Crab Nebula.
(Credit: NASA/CXC/SAO/P.Slane, et al.)
PSR B1509-58 (April 3, 2009)
Revised: November 30, 2022