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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Properties of the isolated neutron star RX J185635-3754
José A. PonsJames M. LattimerScott J. WolkManju PrakashVadim BurwitzRalph NeuhäuserFrederick M. WalterD. Lloydsubject
PhysicsAtmospheric ScienceEquation of stateAstrophysics::High Energy Astrophysical PhenomenaContinuum (design consultancy)Aerospace EngineeringAstronomy and AstrophysicsAstrophysics::Cosmology and Extragalactic AstrophysicsAstrophysicsSpectral lineAtmosphereNeutron starGeophysicsPulsarSpace and Planetary ScienceAstrophysics::Solar and Stellar AstrophysicsGeneral Earth and Planetary SciencesSpectral energy distributionBlack-body radiationdescription
Abstract Despite improved observational capabilities, the surface properties of neutron stars remain uncertain. In principle, multiwavelength spectra can reveal their compositions and angular diameters and constrain the interior equation of state. The Chandra LETG spectrum of the brightest isolated neutron star is a featureless continuum. The X-ray blackbody fit underpredicts the observed optical fluxes, but the spectral energy distribution can be fit with a two blackbody model. No pulsations are seen. We discuss model atmosphere fits. We conclude there is no need to invoke exotic physics: RX J185635-3754 is likely a 0.5 × 10 6 years old pulsar.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-01-01 | Advances in Space Research |