RXTE Sees Eclipses from Fast X-ray Pulsar

  • Released Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
  • Updated Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 1:54PM
  • ID: 10625

Astronomers using NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) have found the first fast X-ray pulsar to be eclipsed by its companion star. Further studies of this unique stellar system will shed light on some of the most compressed matter in the universe and test a key prediction of Einstein's relativity theory.

Known as Swift J1749.4-2807 — J1749 for short — the system erupted with an X-ray outburst on April 10. During the event, RXTE observed three eclipses, detected X-ray pulses that identified the neutron star as a pulsar, and even recorded pulse variations that indicated the neutron star's orbital motion. More information here.

Animation depicting the binary star system. When viewed from its orbital plane, the red giant eclipses the pulsar.

This artist's rendering of the system in profile includes additional data about the system. Print resolution.

This artist's rendering of the system in profile includes additional data about the system. Print resolution.

The system in profile. Includes print resolution copies.

The system in profile. Includes print resolution copies.

The pulsar begins to disappear behind the red giant.

The pulsar begins to disappear behind the red giant.

The pulsar is fully eclipsed by the red giant.

The pulsar is fully eclipsed by the red giant.

The pulsar emerges from behind the red giant.

The pulsar emerges from behind the red giant.

A closer look at the pulsar emerging from behind the red giant.

A closer look at the pulsar emerging from behind the red giant.

The pulsar passing in front of the red giant.

The pulsar passing in front of the red giant.

The system viewed at an angle.

The system viewed at an angle.

The binary system viewed from above.

The binary system viewed from above.

For More Information

See http://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/eclipsing-pulsar.html

Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Series

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Tapes

This visualization originally appeared on the following tapes:
  • Various Small Astrophysics projects (ID: 2010139)
    Friday, December 17, 2010 at 5:00AM
    Produced by - Robert Crippen