ESCAPE FROM VELA X
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH (United Kingdom)
- Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, SLAC, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (United States)
While the Vela pulsar and its associated nebula are often considered as the archetype of a system powered by a {approx}10{sup 4} year old isolated neutron star, many features of the spectral energy distribution of this pulsar wind nebula (PWN) are both puzzling and unusual. Here we develop a model that for the first time relates the main structures in the system, the extended radio nebula (ERN) and the X-ray cocoon through continuous injection of particles with a fixed spectral shape. We argue that diffusive escape of particles from the ERN can explain the steep Fermi-LAT spectrum. In this scenario Vela X should produce a distinct feature in the locally measured cosmic ray (CR) electron spectrum at very high energies. This prediction can be tested in the future using the Cherenkov Telescope Array. If particles are indeed released early in the evolution of PWNe and can avoid severe adiabatic losses, PWN provides a natural explanation for the rising positron fraction in the local CR spectrum.
- OSTI ID:
- 22047312
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol. 743, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 2041-8205
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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