Chandra Release - June 25, 2002

Visual Description: G54.1+0.3

The Chandra X-ray Observatory image of the supernova remnant SNR G54.1+0.3 features the full remnant at bottom with an inset pulled up top showing more detail of its central region.  The image has a black background with green and blue mottled shapes for the remnant. The Chandra image of this distant supernova remnant reveals a bright ring of high-energy particles with a central point-like source. This observation enabled scientists to use a radio telescope to locate the pulsar that powers the ring. The ring of particles and two jet-like structures appear to be due to the energetic flow of radiation and particles from the pulsar rotating 7 times per second.  During the supernova event, the core of the massive star collapsed to form a neutron star that is highly magnetized and creates an enormous electric field as it rotates. The electric field accelerates particles near the neutron star and produces jets blasting away from the poles, and as a disk of matter and antimatter flowing away from the equator at high speeds. As the equatorial flow rams into the particles and magnetic fields in the nebula, a shock wave forms. The shock wave boosts the particles to extremely high energies causing them to glow in X-rays and produce the bright ring (in the inset). The particles stream outward from the ring and the jets to supply the extended nebula, which spans approximately 6 light years.