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Key Information

PSR B1257+12

Type Pulsar or Neutron Star
Diameter 17.4 miles
Distance 2,300 light years
Mass 1.4 M☉
Temperature 51,380 °F
Date of Discovery 9 February, 1990
Other Names Lich, PSR 1257+12, PSR J1300+1240, PSR 1300+1240

Learning Point

  • As the first confirmed star with exoplanets, PSR B1257+12 is an interesting pulsar that surprised astronomers who hadn’t thought it was possible for planets to exist around neutron stars. It was formed from the merger of two white dwarf stars.

Project

  • Decide on better names for the star and its planets.
  • Overview
  • Planet ‘b’
  • Planet ‘c’
  • Planet ‘d’
PSR B1257+12
Comparison of PSR B1257+12 b
Aldaron, a.k.a. Aldaron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Comparison of PSR_ B1257+12 c
Aldaron, a.k.a. Aldaron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Comparison PSR B1257+12 d
Aldaron, a.k.a. Aldaron, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location

Located in Virgo, in the Milky Way

Fun Facts

  • The star is named after Lich, with the planets having the names Draugr, Poltergeist and Phobetor.
  • The planets were identified after it was realised the timing of the pulsar was not consistent, which showed something must be orbiting it.
  • The planet name Draugr is the smallest confirmed exoplanet discovered, being twice the weight of the moon.
  • It is thought to also have an asteroid belt or a Kuiper belt.

Past Lessons

74 December 18, 2023 (North America)
No Past Lessons

Upcoming Lessons

No Upcoming Lessons