October 16, 2021
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared a picture of a pulsar wind nebula that shows shining golden particles in the shape of a hand. The pulsar known as PSR B1509-58 is powered by the leftover dense core of a star that exploded many years ago. It is about 19kms in diameter and spins around seven times per second. With every spin, it throws out particles that were released during the explosion. Scientists believe that these particles are interacting with the magnetic fields in the interstellar clouds, known as nebulae, to create a golden glow that resembles an open hand. This is being called the ‘Hand of God’.
Did You Know?
A pulsar wind nebula (PWN, plural PWNe), also known as a plerion, is a type of nebula sometimes found inside the shell of a supernova remnant.
