X-ray observations of PSR B0355+54 and its pulsar wind nebula

Katherine E. McGowan, W. Thomas Vestrand, Jamie A. Kennea, Silvia Zane, Mark Cropper, France A. Córdova

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

We present X-ray data of the middle-aged radio pulsar PSR B0355+54. The XMM-Newton and Chandra observations show not only emission from the pulsar itself, but also compact diffuse emission extending ∼50″ in the opposite direction to the pulsar's proper motion. Our analysis also indicates the presence of fainter diffuse emission extending ∼5′ from the point source. The morphology of the diffuse component is similar to the ram-pressure confined pulsar wind nebulae detected for other sources. We find that the compact diffuse component is well-fitted with a power-law, with an index that is consistent with the values found for other pulsar wind nebulae. The core emission from the pulsar can be characterized with a thermal plus power-law fit, with the thermal emission most likely originating in a hot polar cap.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIsolated Neutron Stars
Subtitle of host publicationFrom The Surface To The Interior
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Pages309-316
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781402059971
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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