Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1999-03-12
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
9 pages, accepted for publication in ApJ
Scientific paper
10.1086/307444
The nature of the 5-12 s "anomalous" X-ray pulsars remains a mystery. Among the models that have been proposed to explain the properties of AXPs, the most likely ones are: (1) isolated accreting neutron stars evolved from the Thorne-\.{Z}ytkow objects due to complete spiral-in during the common envelope evolution of high-mass X-ray binaries, and (2) magnetars, which are neutron stars with ultra-high ($\sim 10^{14}-10^{15}$ G) surface magnetic fields. We have critically examined the predicted change of neutron star's spin in the accretion model, and found that it is unable to account for the steady spin-down observed in AXPs. A simple analysis also shows that any accretion disk around an isolated neutron star has extremely limited lifetime. A more promising explanation for such objects is the magnetar model.
No associations
LandOfFree
Can the anomalous X-ray pulsars be powered by accretion? 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 Can the anomalous X-ray pulsars be powered by accretion?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Can the anomalous X-ray pulsars be powered by accretion? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-667034