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Illustration of a planetary system around a pulsar
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Illustration of a planetary system around a pulsar
Illustration of a planetary system around the pulsar PSR1257+12 (bright object at top right). Two planets with masses of 2.8 and 3.4 terrestrial masses were detected orbiting at a distance of 0.47 and 0.36 AU from the pulsar (1 AU = 1 Astronomical Unit - about 150 million km). The interaction between the planets and the pulsar was detected as a periodic change in the rotational period of the pulsar. Pulsars are neutron stars and their main feature is the emission of a flash of energy concentrated into a narrow beam. They are usually found in binary stellar systems and their strong gravitational force extracts gas (pink clouds) from their companion star. Reference: Nature Vol. 355 9-1-1992 pag. 145
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Media ID 6443399
© JULIAN BAUM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Alien Planetary System Cosmology Planetary System Pulsar Solar System
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an extraordinary illustration of a planetary system revolving around the enigmatic pulsar PSR1257+12. Positioned at the top right, this bright object emits a mesmerizing flash of energy concentrated into a narrow beam, characteristic of neutron stars known as pulsars. The intricate details captured in this artwork depict two planets with masses equivalent to 2.8 and 3.4 times that of Earth gracefully orbiting at distances measuring 0.47 and 0.36 Astronomical Units (AU) from the pulsar. The discovery of these alien worlds was made possible by detecting periodic changes in the rotational period of the pulsar caused by its interaction with the planets within its gravitational influence. Pulsars are commonly found in binary stellar systems, where their immense gravitational force extracts gas from their companion star, forming ethereal pink clouds visible amidst this cosmic masterpiece. This awe-inspiring image not only offers a glimpse into an extraterrestrial planetary system beyond our own solar system but also serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge in fields such as science, astronomy, and cosmology. With references to Nature Vol. 355 on September 1st, 1992 (page 145), this art piece stands as an exquisite fusion between scientific exploration and artistic representation—a true celebration of both imagination and scientific discovery brought to life by Science Photo Library.
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