The GBT 350-MHz Drift Scan Pulsar Survey-III. Detection of a magnetic field in the eclipsing material of PSR J2256-1024

Kathryn Crowter, Ingrid H. Stairs, Christie A. McPhee, Anne M. Archibald, Jason Boyles, Jason Hessels, Chen Karako-Argaman, Duncan R. Lorimer, Ryan S. Lynch, Maura A. McLaughlin, Scott M. Ransom, Mallory S.E. Roberts, Kevin Stovall, Joeri Van Leeuwen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present the first measurement of a non-zero magnetic field in the eclipsing material of a black widow pulsar. Black widows are millisecond pulsars which are ablating their companions; therefore they are often proposed as one potential source of isolated millisecond pulsars. PSR J2256-1024 is an eclipsing black widow discovered at radio wavelengths and later also observed in the X-ray and gamma parts of the spectrum. Here we present the radio timing solution for PSR J2256-1024; polarization profiles at 350, 820, and 1500 MHz; and an investigation of changes in the polarization profile due to eclipsing material in the system. In the latter we find evidence of Faraday rotation in the linear polarization shortly after eclipse, measuring a rotation measure of 0.44(6) rad m-2 and a corresponding line-of-sight magnetic field of ∼1.11(16) mG.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3052-3064
Number of pages13
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume495
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 14 2020

Keywords

  • magnetic fields
  • polarization
  • pulsars: general
  • pulsars: individual: PSR J2256-1024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The GBT 350-MHz Drift Scan Pulsar Survey-III. Detection of a magnetic field in the eclipsing material of PSR J2256-1024'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this