Genesis stories for the millisecond pulsar

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · Comments Astrophys.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7010450

Ruderman, M A; Shaham, J

Theoretical models proposed to explain the origin of the millisecond pulsar (MP) PSR 1937+214 are reviewed, examining their ability to explain its low surface dipole magnetic field (B), its low birth temperature (less than 10 to the 8th K), the absence of a companion or remnant, and its low velocity perpendicular to the Galactic plane. The models discussed are a single isolated explosion forming a rapidly spinning neutron star, spin-up of a dead pulsar by accretion from a companion, collapse of an accreting spinning white dwarf, and fusion of a tight binary composed of two old neutron stars. Although all of the models have difficulties in explaining one or more of the MP characteristics, the second model is found to be most probable in the light of present knowledge. The lack of a companion is explained by its tidal disruption after it had fed the accreting pre-pulsar for 1 Gyr or more and its mass had decreased to about 0.01 solar mass. Neutron stars accreting in this way have been observed in Galactic-bulge X-ray sources.

• Research Organization: Columbia Univ., New York, NY
• OSTI ID: 7010450
• Journal Information: Comments Astrophys.; (United States), Journal Name: Comments Astrophys.; (United States) Vol. 10; ISSN COASD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANGULAR VELOCITY
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MOTION
PULSARS
ROTATION
STAR ACCRETION
STAR EVOLUTION
STAR MODELS
VELOCITY