X-ray Observations of PSR B1259-63 at Periastron
Abstract
We report on ASCA observations of the radio pulsar/Be star binary PSR B1259-63 made at three epochs around the most recent periastron passage. The pulsar was clearly detected at all three epochs, with the X-ray emission characterized by a power-law spectrum, modest luminosity, modest photoelectric absorption, and absence of detectable pulsations. We interpret these results as non-thermal shock-powered emission produced by the interaction of the relativistic pulsar wind with the Be star circumbinary material.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 1994
- Bibcode:
- 1994AAS...18510213K