Hubble sees an unusual neutron star
This is a near-infrared-light image of the neutron star RX J0806.4-4123 taken with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Hubble detected an unusual excess of infrared radiation that might be evidence for a disc around the stellar remnant. Or it could be from a wind of charged particles streaming off the neutron star and slamming into gas in the interstellar medium the neutron star is plowing through.
Links:
- NASA Press Release
- Artist's impression of disc around a neutron star
- Artist's impression of pulsar wind from a neutron star
NASA, ESA, and B. Posselt (Pennsylvania State University)
About the Image
NASA press release
NASA caption
NASA caption
| Id: | opo1843c |
| Type: | Collage |
| Release date: | 18 September 2018, 11:09 |
| Size: | 565 x 452 px |
About the Object
| Name: | RX J0806.4-4123 |
| Type: | Milky Way : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Neutron Star |
| Category: | Stars |
Wallpapers
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared H | 1.6 μm |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFC3 |