The Helical Jet of the Vela Pulsar
Abstract
We have studied the fascinating dynamics of the nearby Vela pulsar's nebula in a campaign comprising 11 40 ks observations with the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The deepest images yet revealed the shape, structure, and motion of the 2 arcmin long pulsar jet. We find that the jet's shape and dynamics are remarkably consistent with those of a steadily turning helix projected on the sky. We discuss possible implications of our results, including free precession of the neutron star and MHD instability scenarios.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- February 2013
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1211.0347
- Bibcode:
- 2013ApJ...763...72D
- Keywords:
-
- ISM: jets and outflows;
- pulsars: individual: Vela;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology;
- High Energy Physics - Theory
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in ApJ
