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The IXPE Science of Pulsars and Their Nebulae

Authors :
Niccolò Bucciantini
Roger W. Romani
Fei Xie
Josephine Wong
Source :
Galaxies, Vol 12, Iss 4, p 45 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Pulsars (PSRs) and Pulsar Wind Nebulae (PWNe) form some of the most interesting high-energy astrophysical systems. Their prominent synchrotron emission makes them ideal candidates for polarimetry. Here, after briefly summarizing the scientific rationale underpinning the importance of their polarimetric studies, we review the current status and achievements obtained by the IXPE mission. For the first time, we have space- and phase-resolved X-ray data that allow us to set constraints on the geometry and level of turbulence of the magnetic field which, in turn, can help us to better understand which acceleration and radiation model(s) might be at work in these systems. Interestingly, PWNe show a large variety in terms of polarization degree that might indicate key physical differences, still to be further investigated.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12040045 and 20754434
Volume :
12
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Galaxies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4962dd693914e918728e71f4ad0a927
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies12040045