Produced by: Manoj Kumar
The Guitar Nebula, shaped by the pulsar PSR B2224+65, dazzles with its guitar-like form sculpted by pulsar winds and interstellar gas. Captured by Chandra and Hubble, it offers a breathtaking glimpse into high-energy cosmic processes.
Credit : NASA/ESA
A blazing X-ray filament, extending two light-years from the pulsar, forms the “neck” of this cosmic guitar. Chandra’s data reveals a blowtorch effect fueled by the pulsar’s rapid movement through space.
The nebula’s brightness shifts as the pulsar interacts with denser regions of interstellar gas, showcasing a dynamic dance of light and energy. These variations help decode the pulsar’s high-energy emissions.
Time-lapse “movies” created from Chandra and Hubble data spanning decades reveal the pulsar’s motion and the nebula’s evolving shape, offering an unparalleled view of its transformation over time.
As PSR B2224+65 speeds through space, it leaves behind a glowing particle trail. Scientists use this trail to study how pulsars shape their surroundings and interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.
The Guitar Nebula provides a rare laboratory for studying high-energy particles and magnetic fields. Chandra’s X-ray observations unlock clues about cosmic ray propagation and magnetic interactions in deep space.
Credit : NASA/ESA
The pulsar emits positrons—antimatter particles—alongside electrons. By studying this antimatter production, scientists explore the composition of cosmic rays and their distribution across the universe.
Pulsars like PSR B2224+65 act as “blowtorches,” dispersing high-energy particles and magnetic fields. This process distributes energy across galaxies, influencing their overall structure and balance.
The Guitar Nebula’s fiery display highlights the immense power of pulsars, emphasizing their role in shaping interstellar environments and advancing our understanding of extreme astrophysical phenomena.
Credit : NASA/ESA