Spectral characteristics of the emerging X-rays from a possible pulsar in supernova 1987A.
Abstract
We report on Monte-Carlo calculations of the emergence of X- and γ-rays from the envelope of the supernova 1987A. Assuming that there exists an X-ray emitting pulsar at the centre, we discuss the possibilities of observing its radiation and find that if the pulsar is about as luminous as the present-day Crab, it may be possible to detect the breakout at ~ 20 months. The pulsar should emerge first in the 6-16 keV band covered by GINGA. About six months later it would appear in the 20-45 keV band of MIR-HEXE. Because the optical depth of the envelope at breakout is still substantial (~4), we do not expect pulses to be detected straightaway. Our conclusions are based on a simple homogeneous model for the envelope and do not depend on whether or not ^56^Co is mixed into the outer layers. The time at which a pulsar of higher luminosity would emerge can be obtained from a simple scaling of our results.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- July 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988A&A...201L..19M
- Keywords:
-
- Neutron Stars;
- Pulsars;
- Stellar Spectra;
- Supernova 1987a;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- Astronomical Models;
- Monte Carlo Method;
- Stellar Envelopes;
- Astrophysics