Polarization of the binary radio pulsar 1913 + 16 - Constraints on geodetic precession

Journal Article · Wed Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168341· OSTI ID:6918018

Cordes, J M; Wasserman, I; Blaskiewicz, M ^[1]

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1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA)

Using polarization data, the relative orientations of the line of sight and the pulsar's spin axis and magnetic moment are determined. The data are sensitive enough to allow detection of spin-orbit geodetic precession in a few years if the spin axis is misaligned from the orbital angular momentum vector by more than a few degrees. From the secular pulse shape changes measured by Weisberg, et al. (1989) it is concluded that the misalignment angle is no more than 15 deg but is probably more than 1 deg. A specific beaming model is proposed to account for the pulse shape changes. 32 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6918018
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 349; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
BINARY STARS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
EMISSION SPECTRA
MAGNETIC MOMENTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PARTICLE PROPERTIES
POLARIZATION
PRECESSION
PULSARS
PULSES
SPECTRA
SPIN
STARS