science ๐ญ Cosmic gas speeds toward X-ray pulsar
XRISM detected plasma falling towards the X-ray pulsar GX 301โ2 at extreme velocities as it passed through Wray 977's stellar wind. The Japan-led observatory observed BP Crucis starting February 1, 2025, collecting data near a strong flare. Spectroscopic evidence shows inflow, with speeds calculated between 150 to 180 kilometers per second under the adopted ephemeris. This observation helps test models of how gas feeds the city-sized neutron star remnant. Future repeat observations are needed to confirm the gas flow's progression in subsequent orbits. ๐ญ