Energetic Ring Marks Spot That Leads to Discovery of Neutron
Star The Chandra image of the distant supernova remnant SNR
G54.1+0.3 reveals 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.
During the supernova event, the core of a massive star collapsed
to form a neutron star that is highly magnetized and creates an
enormous electric field as it rotates. The electric field
accelerates particles near the neutron star and produces jets
blasting away from the poles, and as a disk of matter and anti-
matter flowing away from the equator at high speeds. As the
equatorial flow rams into the particles and magnetic fields in
the nebula, a shock wave forms. The shock