Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52

Details Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52 Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52

2009-02-17

arxiv.org/abs/0902.2824v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

11 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS, corrected value of a possible emission height difference of the two po

Scientific paper

10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14643.x

We present a geometric study of the radio and gamma-ray pulsar B1055-52 based on recent observations at the Parkes radio telescope. We conclude that the pulsar's magnetic axis is inclined at an angle of 75 degrees to its rotation axis and that both its radio main pulse and interpulse are emitted at the same height above their respective poles. This height is unlikely to be higher or much lower than 700 km, a typical value for radio pulsars. It is argued that the radio interpulse arises from emission formed on open fieldlines close to the magnetic axis which do not pass through the magnetosphere's null (zero-charge) surface. However the main pulse emission must originate from fieldlines lying well outside the polar cap boundary beyond the null surface, and farther away from the magnetic axis than those of the outergap region where the single gamma-ray peak is generated. This casts doubt on the common assumption that all pulsars have closed, quiescent, corotating regions stretching to the light cylinder.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Mapping the magnetosphere of PSR B1055-52 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-310406