Pulsar Populations and Their Evolution
Abstract
Luminosity models are developed, and an attempt is made to answer fundamental questions regarding the statistical properties of pulsars, on the basis of a large data base encompassing the periods, period derivatives, radio luminosities, vertical Galactic heights, and transverse velocities, for a homogeneous sample of 301 pulsars. A probability is established for two pulsar subpopulations, designated F and S, which are distinguished primarily on the basis of kinematic properties. The two populations are of comparable size, with the F population having an overall birth-rate close to 1 in 200 years in the Galaxy, with the less certain S pulsar birth-rate not higher than that of the F population.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1086/168529
- Bibcode:
- 1990ApJ...352..222N
- Keywords:
-
- Pulsars;
- Stellar Evolution;
- Astronomical Models;
- Field Strength;
- Kinematics;
- Stellar Luminosity;
- Stellar Magnetic Fields;
- Astrophysics;
- GALAXIES: STELLAR CONTENT;
- PULSARS;
- STARS: EVOLUTION;
- STARS: MAGNETIC;
- STARS: STELLAR STATISTICS