Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2009-02-12
Astrophys.J.702:1673-1678,2009
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
7 pages, 2 figures. Accepted by ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1088/0004-637X/702/2/1673
The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer has observed five outbursts from the transient 2.5 ms accretion-powered pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658 during 1998-2008. We present a pulse timing study of the most recent outburst and compare it with the previous timing solutions. The spin frequency of the source continues to decrease at a rate of (-5.5+/-1.2)x10^-18 Hz/s, which is consistent with the previously determined spin derivative. The spin-down occurs mostly during quiescence, and it is most likely due to the magnetic dipole torque from a B = 1.5x10^8 G dipolar field at the neutron star surface. We also find that the 2 hr binary orbital period is increasing at a rate of (3.80+/-0.06)x10^-12 s/s, also consistent with previous measurements. It remains uncertain whether this orbital change reflects secular evolution or short-term variability.
Chakrabarty Deepto
Hartman J. M. J.
Markwardt Craig B.
Morgan Edward Harrington
Patruno Alessandro
No associations
LandOfFree
A decade of timing an accretion-powered millisecond pulsar: The continuing spin down and orbital evolution of SAX J1808.4-3658 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 A decade of timing an accretion-powered millisecond pulsar: The continuing spin down and orbital evolution of SAX J1808.4-3658, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A decade of timing an accretion-powered millisecond pulsar: The continuing spin down and orbital evolution of SAX J1808.4-3658 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-556506