Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2011-05-21
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Solar and Stellar Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space Science
Scientific paper
We report on variations in the mean position angle of the 20 millisecond pulsars being observed as part of the Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) project. It is found that the observed variations are dominated by changes in the Faraday rotation occurring in the Earth's ionosphere. Two ionospheric models are used to correct for the ionospheric contribution and it is found that one based on the International Reference Ionosphere gave the best results. Little or no significant long-term variation in interstellar RM was found with limits typically about 0.1 rad m$^{-2}$ yr$^{-1}$ in absolute value. In a few cases, apparently significant RM variations over timescales of a few 100 days or more were seen. These are unlikely to be due to localised magnetised regions crossing the line of sight since the implied magnetic fields are too high. Most probably they are statistical fluctuations due to random spatial and temporal variations in the interstellar electron density and magnetic field along the line of sight.
Bailes Matthew
Bhat Ramesh
Burke-Spolaor Sarah
Champion David
Chaudhary Ankur
No associations
LandOfFree
Rotation measure variations for 20 millisecond pulsars 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 Rotation measure variations for 20 millisecond pulsars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotation measure variations for 20 millisecond pulsars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-713218