RX J1856.5-3754
Also known as PSR J1856-3754
RX J1856.5-3754 is a pulsar in the constellation Corona Australis, about 580 light-years from Earth.
Nearest known isolated neutron star, in Corona Australis
Facts
| Type | Pulsar |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Corona Australis |
| Position (J2000) | 18h 56m 35s, −37° 54′ |
| Distance | 580 light-years (its light set off about 580 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 25.7 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Studied in | 463 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
RX J1856.5-3754 is highest in the sky at midnight in July. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 32° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 2°. To see it you need a large telescope or long-exposure photos.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · Data sources & credits