PSR B1951+32 and SNR CTB 80: Association Confirmed
Abstract
Using the Very Large Array, we have measured the position of the radio pulsar B1951+32 relative to nearby background radio sources at four epochs between 1989 and 2000. These data show a clear proper motion for the pulsar of 25+/-4 mas/yr at a position angle 252+/-7 degrees (north through east), corresponding to a transverse velocity 240+/-40 km/s. This confirms that the pulsar is moving away from the center of its associated supernova remnant, the first time that such a result has been demonstrated. We find the measured motion implies a pulsar age of 64+/-18 kyr, less than its characteristic age of 107 kyr. This discrepancy can be explained if the initial spin period of the pulsar was 27+/-6 ms.
- Publication:
-
Neutron Stars in Supernova Remnants
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002ASPC..271...57M