NASA-JAXA XRISM Mission Sees Pulsar Gathering Companion’s ‘Wind’ - NASA Science

NASA-JAXA XRISM Mission Sees Pulsar Gathering Companion’s ‘Wind’ - NASA Science

Using data from the Japan-led XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) observatory, astronomers have directly observed a giant star’s outflow, called a stellar wind, being captured by its compact companion and providing the power source for strong X-ray flares. The research is part of NASA’s exploration of the extreme universe to better understand how the […]

A Pulsar Is Feeding on a Giant Star’s Wind. How Can Astronomers See It?

A neutron-star pulsar is pulling gas from a blue hypergiant 13,000 light-years away. XRISM’s X-ray spectra show how astronomers can follow that material as it falls.