A pulsar is a highly magnetized rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation out of its magnetic poles. This radiation can be observed only when a beam of emission is pointing toward Earth, similar to the way a lighthouse can be seen only when the light is pointed in the direction of an observer.
The Local Bubble is a cavity in the interstellar medium roughly 300 light-years across. It contains hot, diffuse gas and is thought to have been carved out by multiple supernovae millions of years ago.