Three-dimensional Dynamics of Strongly Twisted Magnetar Magnetospheres: Kinking Flux Tubes and Global Eruptions

Mahlmann, J. F.; Philippov, A. A.; Mewes, V.; Ripperda, B.; Most, E. R.; Sironi, L.

doi:10.3847/2041-8213/accada

Title: Three-dimensional Dynamics of Strongly Twisted Magnetar Magnetospheres: Kinking Flux Tubes and Global Eruptions

Journal Article · 24 April 2023 · The Astrophysical Journal. Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/accada · OSTI ID:1971424

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Abstract The origins of the various outbursts of hard X-rays from magnetars (highly magnetized neutron stars) are still unknown. We identify instabilities in relativistic magnetospheres that can explain a range of X-ray flare luminosities. Crustal surface motions can twist the magnetar magnetosphere by shifting the frozen-in footpoints of magnetic field lines in current-carrying flux bundles. Axisymmetric (2D) magnetospheres exhibit strong eruptive dynamics, i.e., catastrophic lateral instabilities triggered by a critical footpoint displacement of ψ _crit ≳ π . In contrast, our new three-dimensional (3D) twist models with finite surface extension capture important non-axisymmetric dynamics of twisted force-free flux bundles in dipolar magnetospheres. Besides the well-established global eruption resulting (as in 2D) from lateral instabilities, such 3D structures can develop helical, kink-like dynamics, and dissipate energy locally (confined eruptions). Up to 25% of the induced twist energy is dissipated and available to power X-ray flares in powerful global eruptions, with most of our models showing an energy release in the range of the most common X-ray outbursts, ≲10 ⁴³ erg. Such events occur when significant energy builds up while deeply buried in the dipole magnetosphere. Less energetic outbursts likely precede powerful flares, due to intermittent instabilities and confined eruptions of a continuously twisting flux tube. Upon reaching a critical state, global eruptions produce the necessary Poynting-flux-dominated outflows required by models prescribing the fast radio burst production in the magnetar wind—for example, via relativistic magnetic reconnection or shocks.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 1971424

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1972543

Journal Information:: The Astrophysical Journal. Letters, Journal Name: The Astrophysical Journal. Letters Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 947; ISSN 2041-8205

Publisher:: American Astronomical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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