Timing young pulsars: challenges to standard pulsar spin-down models

Research at Jodrell Bank Observatory challenges standard pulsar spin-down models by revealing that young pulsars exhibit complex spin behaviors, including glitches and timing noise. A decade-long study of PSR J1846-0258 measured its braking index (n=2.65±0.01), the sixth such measurement ever recorded, while also documenting a small glitch in 2001 and a dramatic magnetar-like transformation in 2006. Additionally, observations of PSR J0205+6449, using multiple telescopes, identified timing noise and two spin-up glitches, along with a stable X-ray pulse profile up to 40 keV. The study also found no correlation between pulse period and phase offset in X-ray and gamma-ray pulsars. These findings provide new insights into pulsar physics, particularly the braking mechanism and magnetar behavior.

Livingstone, Margaret Anne. (2010). Timing young pulsars: challenges to standard pulsar spin-down models [McGill University]. https://doi.org/10.82308/28623