Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages

Details Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages

2001-07-16

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0107292v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

16 pages, 3 figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ. For a full resolution version of Fig 1, see http://www.physics.mcgill.

Scientific paper

10.1086/322515

We present Chandra X-ray Observatory imaging observations of the young Galactic supernova remnant G11.2-0.3. The image shows that the previously known young 65-ms X-ray pulsar is at position (J2000) RA 18h 11m 29.22s, DEC -19o 25' 27.''6, with 1 sigma error radius 0.''6. This is within 8'' of the geometric center of the shell. This provides strong confirming evidence that the system is younger, by a factor of ~12, than the characteristic age of the pulsar. The age discrepancy suggests that pulsar characteristic ages can be poor age estimators for young pulsars. Assuming conventional spin down with constant magnetic field and braking index, the most likely explanation for the age discrepancy in G11.2-0.3 is that the pulsar was born with a spin period of ~62 ms. The Chandra image also reveals, for the first time, the morphology of the pulsar wind nebula. The elongated hard-X-ray structure can be interpreted as either a jet or a Crab-like torus seen edge on. This adds to the growing list of highly aspherical pulsar wind nebulae and argues that such structures are common around young pulsars.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages 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 Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chandra Observations of G11.2-0.3: Implications for Pulsar Ages will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-641789