Abstract
We report the results of coordinated Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra observations of the Crab synchrotron nebula. Similar dynamical structures, including equatorial wisps moving outward at ∼0.5c, are seen in both passbands. The inner X-ray ring is a variable, irregular structure from which wisps and diffuse emission emerge. The X-ray/visible jet to the southeast of the pulsar is a true jet. The data support the interpretation that the inner ring and a highly dynamical feature at the base of the jet are unstable quasi-stationary shocks in the "cold" equatorial wind and polar jet from the pulsar.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | L49-L52 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 577 |
Issue number | 1 II |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 20 2002 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science