Unique' neutron star system's activity captured by NASA

The video explains the characteristics of a neutron star, which has the mass of half a million Earths compressed into a sphere the size of Manhattan. It rotates 11 times per second and orbits a sun-like star every 21 hours. The star's magnetic field directs gas to its poles, creating hotspots that emit X-ray pulses. Matter from a companion star streams to the neutron star, causing thermonuclear reactions that produce intense X-ray spikes.

What is the size comparison of the neutron star to Earth?

• It is the size of the Moon.

• It is the size of Manhattan.

• It is the size of a football field.

• It is the size of a small country.

How many times does the neutron star rotate per second?

• 15 times

• 11 times

• 5 times

• 20 times

How often does the neutron star orbit its companion sun-like star?

• Every 72 hours

• Every 48 hours

• Every 21 hours

• Every 12 hours

What causes the creation of X-ray pulses in the neutron star?

• Its rapid rotation

• Its magnetic field directing gas to poles

• Its large size

• Its high temperature

What results from the matter streaming from the companion star to the neutron star?

• Creation of intense X-ray spikes

• Decrease in star temperature

• Increase in star size

• Formation of new stars