description 3C 58 Overview
3C 58 is a pulsar wind nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia, powered by the rapidly rotating neutron star PSR J0205+6449. It is a strong radio source and is also associated with emission across other wavelengths. The nebula has been proposed as the remnant of the supernova observed in 1181 CE by Chinese and Japanese astronomers, although that historical identification remains a subject of astronomical study.
help 3C 58 FAQ
What is 3C 58, and what powers it?
3C 58 is a pulsar wind nebula in Cassiopeia powered by the neutron-star pulsar PSR J0205+6449. Chandra observations measure pulsations of about 66 milliseconds, while the surrounding nebula radiates in radio and X-rays.
Is 3C 58 the remnant of the supernova seen in 1181?
It was long identified with the guest star recorded in 1181, but newer age and position evidence makes that identification doubtful. Chandra's 2024 summary points to Pa 30 as the likely remnant of SN 1181, while 3C 58 appears several thousand years old.
Why is the name 3C 58 used?
The 3C comes from the Third Cambridge Catalogue of Radio Sources, where the object is entry 58. It is also catalogued as SNR G130.7+3.1 for the remnant and PSR J0205+6449 for the pulsar.
How fast does the pulsar in 3C 58 spin?
PSR J0205+6449 rotates once in about 65.7 milliseconds, or roughly 15 times per second. That rapid rotation supplies the energetic particles that make the pulsar wind nebula glow.
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