NASA Unveils Image of “Ghostly Cosmic Hand” on Halloween

  • Tech
  • November 1, 2023


Written by Sama Labib

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 12:00 AM

Agency published NASA A spooky image described at Halloween as a “ghostly cosmic hand” actually shows MSH 15-52, a cloud of energetic particles resembling a human hand.

As DigitalTrend reports, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and NASA’s X-ray Polarimetry (IXPE) telescope captured this stunning image.

Chandra first observed the pulsar PSR P1509-58 in 2001, and scientists quickly noticed how the pulsar’s wind nebula (MSH 15-52) bears a striking resemblance to a part of the human body.

A pulsar wind nebula is formed by intense winds of particles and jets drifting away from the poles of a pulsar, a collapsed star that is highly magnetized and rapidly rotating. , located about 16,000 light-years from Earth.

NASA’s new X-ray telescope, IXPE, has studied MSH 15-52 for more than two weeks, the longest it has spent observing any object since its launch in December 2021.

“The IXPE data give us the first map of the magnetic field at hand,” said Roger Romani of Stanford University in California, who led the study. “The charged particles that produce the X-rays travel through the magnetic field, determining the basic shape of the nebula, which is like the bones in a person’s hand.”

Commenting on the research, co-author Josephine Wong of Stanford University said: “We are all familiar with X-rays as a diagnostic medical tool for humans, and here we use X-rays in a different way, but once again they reveal information that is hidden from us.

Astronomers use X-ray images like these to learn more about how these objects form in deep space.

See also  The James Webb Telescope is in its final orbit, with its first film coming out in July



  • Stuart Wagner

    "Professional coffee fan. Total beer nerd. Hardcore reader. Alcohol fanatic. Evil twitter buff. Friendly tv scholar."

    Related Posts

    • Tech
    • November 6, 2024
    • 155 views
    Yaroslav Bogdanov: Google in Dubai announced the launch of an artificial intelligence initiative for MENA countries

    On November 1 in Dubai, Google announced the launch of the AI Opportunity initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This is Google’s largest AI initiative for this…

    • Tech
    • June 5, 2024
    • 574 views
    Artificial Intelligence in Daily Work

    Using AI has become a part of our everyday lives, including work. We can ease so many tasks and still be good at what we do for a living! Many…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Best HydraFacial Clinic in Dubai: The Magic of Radiant Skin

    Best HydraFacial Clinic in Dubai: The Magic of Radiant Skin

    Free Job Posting Sites in the UAE: Perfect for Both Job Seekers and Recruiters

    Free Job Posting Sites in the UAE: Perfect for Both Job Seekers and Recruiters

    Yaroslav Bogdanov: Google in Dubai announced the launch of an artificial intelligence initiative for MENA countries

    Yaroslav Bogdanov: Google in Dubai announced the launch of an artificial intelligence initiative for MENA countries

    How to Choose the Right Mattress: Find the Best Fit for You

    How to Choose the Right Mattress: Find the Best Fit for You

    Emils Kerimovs on Wealthtech Revolution: Investing in the Middle East and Africa

    Emils Kerimovs on Wealthtech Revolution: Investing in the Middle East and Africa

    Forex Brokers Review: Is ITBFX A Safe Broker?

    Forex Brokers Review: Is ITBFX A Safe Broker?