Multiwavelength spectroscopy of PSR B0656+14

Martin Durant, Oleg Kargaltsev, George G. Pavlov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using high-quality Hubble Space Telescope observations, we construct the near-infrared (NIR) to far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectral energy distribution (SED) of PSRB0656+14. The SED is non-monotonic. Fitting it with a simple combination of a Rayleigh-Jeans spectrum (UV) and non-thermal power law (PL; optical/NIR) leaves significant residuals, strongly hinting at one or more spectral features. We consider various models (combination of continuum components, and absorption/emission lines) with possible interpretations and place them in the context of the broader SED. Surprisingly, the extrapolation of the best-fit X-ray spectral model roughly matches the NIR-FUV data, and the PL component is also consistent with the γ-ray fluxes. We compare the multiwavelength SED of B0656+14 with those of other optical-, X-ray-, and γ-ray-detected pulsars, and notice that a simple PL spectrum crudely accounts for most of the non-thermal emission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number38
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume743
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 10 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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