Abstract
We report the results of X-ray (Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO)) and radio (ATCA) observations of the pulsar wind nebula (PWN) powered by the young pulsar PSR J1016–5857, which we dub “the Goose” PWN. In both bands, the images reveal a tail-like PWN morphology that can be attributed to the pulsar’s motion. By comparing archival and new CXO observations, we measure the pulsar’s proper motion μ = 28.8 ± 7.3 mas yr−1, yielding a projected pulsar velocity v ≈ 440 ± 110 km s−1 (at d = 3.2 kpc); its direction is consistent with the PWN shape. Radio emission from the PWN is polarized, with the magnetic field oriented along the pulsar tail. The radio tail connects to a larger radio structure (not seen in X-rays), which we interpret as a relic PWN (also known as a plerion). The spectral analysis of the CXO data shows that the PWN spectrum softens from Γ = 1.7 to Γ ≈ 2.3–2.5 with increasing distance from the pulsar. The softening can be attributed to the rapid synchrotron burn-off, which would explain the lack of X-ray emission from the older relic PWN. In addition to nonthermal PWN emission, we detected thermal emission from a hot plasma, which we attribute to the host supernova remnant. The radio PWN morphology and the proper motion of the pulsar suggest that the reverse shock passed through the pulsar’s vicinity and pushed the PWN to one side.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.