Amazing Structure Resembling a Human Hand Discovered in the Cosmos
In the depths of the Cosmos, researchers have made a fascinating discovery—a structure resembling a human hand known as MSH 15-52. This object emanates from the PSR B1509-58 pulsar and was initially identified using the Chandra X-Ray Observatory back in 2001. Now, a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal reveals new information about the hand-shaped nebula, thanks to the combination of Chandra observations and data from the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) NASA.
Launched into space in December 2021, just before the deployment of the Webb Space Telescope, IXPE employs X-rays to study some of the most compact celestial objects, including neutron stars and black holes. In the past year, this cutting-edge telescope observed super-heated plasma surrounding black holes and even identified the black hole closest to Earth, situated approximately 1,600 light years away.
To capture an image of the nebula, IXPE observed it for a total of 17 days, carefully collecting data on the magnetic field that plays a crucial role in structuring this cosmic formation. “The main shape of the nebula, resembling the bones in a human hand, is determined by charged particles producing X-rays moving along the magnetic field,” explained Roger Romani, an astrophysicist from Stanford University.
Highlighting the “Hand” is a bright spot at its base, extending towards the lower left side of the structure. This spot represents an X-ray stream, indicating a region where numerous magnetic fields intersect and become entangled.
“In a nod to Wilhelm X-ray’s groundbreaking work on November 8, 1895, creating one of the most iconic scientific images depicting the bones within a hand, we are presented with this extraordinary structure resembling a hand,” remarked Romani.
Interestingly, NASA has released an image of this uncanny hand-shaped structure just in time for Halloween. It brings to mind last year’s unveiling of the Webb Pillars of Creation telescope image, which eerily