A Search for X-Ray Emission from the Double-Pulsar Binary System J0737-3039

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

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Chandra Proposal Id #05408162

Scientific paper

We have discovered the first double neutron star binary, J0737-3039, in which both stars are observable radio pulsars. The spin periods of the recycled pulsar, A, and its companion, B, are 22 ms and 2.7 s. The stars are separated by only 2.9 light seconds in a 2.4-hr orbit. At a distance of only 500 pc, this system promises to be the best ever laboratory for relativistic astrophysics. Observations of B show its flux to vary greatly, making it only detectable for two brief periods when it is in front of A. This variation is likely due to the interaction of A's spin-down luminosity, in the form of a relativistic wind and Poynting flux, with B's magnetosphere. We also see a brief (22 sec) eclipse of A as it passes behind B. A detection of non-thermal X-rays from A will provide, for the first time, a probe of the magnetosphere and local environment of a neutron star. We may also detect thermal X-rays from B or X-rays from the shock interactions of this extremely relativistic system.

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