RCW 89

RCW 89 is located about 17,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Circinus. It is part of the RCW Catalogue, which lists H-emission regions in the southern Milky Way from Rodgers, Campbell & Whiteoak. RCW 89 is an emission nebula that contains a young supernova remnant and one of the most advanced pulsars in our galaxy.

It is one of the most fascinating examples of how pulsars can create their surroundings with their powerful winds.

This pulsar spins approximately 7 times per second and emits powerful jets of energy and particles that create a cloaked warbird-shaped structure. The "Jets" of this cosmic ship are moving at almost 9 million miles per hour as they hit a cloud of gas called RCW 89.

Processing: Mark Hanson

Data: Martin Pugh

Enjoy,

Mark