  We present the UV spectroscopy and timing of three nearby pulsars (Vela,
B0656+14 and Geminga) recently observed with the Space Telescope Imaging
Spectrograph. We also review the optical and X-ray properties of these pulsars
and establish their connection with the UV properties. We show that the
multiwavelengths properties of neutron stars (NSs) vary significantly within
the sample of middle-aged pulsars. Even larger differences are found between
the thermal components of Ge-minga and B0656+14 as compared to those of
radio-quiet isolated NSs. These differences could be attributed to different
properties of the NS surface layers.
