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Session: Cosmology and Relativistic Astrophysics

Name: Ms. Vera Agalianou (University of Ioannina)
Coauthors: No coauthors were included.
Type: Oral
Title: The rocket effect mechanism in neutron stars in supernova
Abstract:

Although it is commonly assumed that the magnetic field axis of a neutron star passes through its center, recent research has revealed that this may not always be the case. In particular, the millisecond pulsar J0030+0451 has shown evidence of a displaced magnetic field axis, which could activate the electromagnetic rocket effect. This effect occurs when the off-center dipole magnetic field generates asymmetric electromagnetic radiation, which exerts a net force, causing the star to accelerate. This mechanism could potentially account for the high spatial velocities of pulsars ($~10^3$ km/s). In this study, we investigate the impact of the electromagnetic rocket effect on young pulsars associated with supernova remnants. We compare observational data on characteristic quantities such as the braking index and proper motion with results obtained from the rocket effect. By utilizing a Markov Chain Monte Carlo analysis, we explore the necessary conditions, such as the initial spin period and distance between the magnetic axis and the star's center, to generate a velocity kick that approaches the present velocity. Our findings suggest that the electromagnetic rocket effect can account for typical pulsar transverse velocities, given an initial spin period of 3.8 ms and a dipole field located approximately 7 km from the star's center. We also examine the effect of the rocket effect on the braking index of a neutron star and find that, for the sample studied, its impact is negligible. Finally, we apply the rocket effect model to the pulsars J0030+0451 and J0538+2817, which are potential candidates for this mechanism.