![]() More often, though, neutron stars are found spinning wildly with extreme magnetic fields as pulsars or magnetars. A handful of neutron stars have been found sitting at the centers of supernova remnants quietly emitting X-rays. However, under certain conditions, they can be easily observed. Many neutron stars are likely undetectable because they simply do not emit enough radiation. And like stars, they can be found by themselves or in binary systems with a companion. Since neutron stars began their existence as stars, they are found scattered throughout the galaxy in the same places where we find stars. (Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab) If that beam sweeps over Earth, we see it as a regular pulse of light. ![]() As the neutron star spins, the magnetic field spins with it, sweeping that beam through space. This diagram of a pulsar shows the neutron star with a strong magnetic field (field lines shown in blue) and a beam of light along the magnetic axis. One sugar cube of neutron star material would weigh about 1 trillion kilograms (or 1 billion tons) on Earth about as much as a mountain. These stellar remnants measure about 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) across. This collapse leaves behind the most dense object known an object with the mass of a sun squished down to the size of a city. (Stars with higher masses will continue to collapse into stellar-mass black holes.) If the core of the collapsing star is between about 1 and 3 solar masses, these newly-created neutrons can stop the collapse, leaving behind a neutron star. The very central region of the star the core collapses, crushing together every proton and electron into a neutron. Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses. (Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center) Now smoke detectors for the home are a spinoff product.A neutron star is the densest object astronomers can observe directly, crushing half a million times Earth's mass into a sphere about 12 miles across, or similar in size to Manhattan Island, as shown in this illustration. For example, the first smoke detector was made by a company for NASA to use on Skylab, America’s first space station. Spinoff: a technology or product that was originally developed for the space program. In 2018, NASA celebrated its 60th anniversary. NASA technology has contributed to many items used in everyday life, from smoke detectors to medical tests. Among other benefits, these tests have helped engineers improve air transportation. These aircraft include planes that have set new records. ![]() NASA has helped develop and test a variety of cutting-edge aircraft. Satellites have revealed a wealth of data about Earth, resulting in valuable information such as a better understanding of weather patterns. Telescopes have allowed scientists to look at the far reaches of space. NASA’s robotic space probes have visited every planet in the solar system and several other celestial bodies. Currently, NASA has astronauts living and working on the International Space Station. The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs helped NASA learn about flying in space and resulted in the first human landing on the Moon in 1969. When NASA started, it began a program of human spaceflight. The agency also involves students in NASA missions to help them get excited about learning. NASA offers training to help teachers learn new ways to teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics. NASA has a tradition of investing in programs and activities that inspire students, educators, families and communities in the excitement and discovery of exploration. They will be the adventurers who will continue exploration of the solar system and universe. NASA helps teachers prepare students who will be the engineers, scientists, astronauts and other NASA workers of the future. For example, companies can use NASA discoveries to create new spinoff products. The agency shares what it learns so that its information can make life better for people worldwide. ![]() In addition to those major missions, NASA does many other things. NASA is also beginning a new program to send humans to explore the Moon and Mars. New developments improve air travel and other aspects of flight. Space probes study the solar system and beyond. Satellites help scientists learn more about Earth. Astronauts in orbit conduct scientific research. But most probably have no idea about how many different things the agency does. Many people know something about NASA’s work.
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