Heartbeat of the Mouse: A Young Radio Pulsar Associated with the Axisymmetric Nebula G359.23-0.82
Abstract
We report the discovery of PSR J1747-2958, a radio pulsar with period P=98 ms and dispersion measure DM=101 cm-3 pc, in a deep observation with the Parkes telescope of the axially symmetric ``Mouse'' radio nebula (G359.23-0.82). Timing measurements of the newly discovered pulsar reveal a characteristic age P/2P=25 kyr and spin-down luminosity E=2.5×1036 ergs s-1. The pulsar (timing) position is consistent with that of the Mouse's ``head.'' The distance derived from the DM (~2 kpc) is consistent with the Mouse's distance limit from H I absorption (<5.5 kpc). Also, the X-ray energetics of the Mouse are compatible with being powered by the pulsar. Therefore, we argue that PSR J1747-2958, moving at supersonic speed through the local interstellar medium, powers this unusual nonthermal nebula. The pulsar is a weak radio source, with a period-averaged flux density at 1374 MHz of 0.25 mJy and a luminosity of ~1 mJy kpc2.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1086/344832
- arXiv:
- arXiv:astro-ph/0209480
- Bibcode:
- 2002ApJ...579L..25C
- Keywords:
-
- ISM: Individual: Alphanumeric: G359.23-0.82;
- Stars: Pulsars: Individual: Alphanumeric: PSR J1747-2958;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 6 pages, 2 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letters