Millisecond pulsar velocities |
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| Authors: | M. Toscano J. S. Sandhu M. Bailes R. N. Manchester M. C. Britton S. R. Kulkarni S. B. Anderson B. W. Stappers |
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| Affiliation: | Physics Department, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Mail No. 31, Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia; Department of Astronomy, Caltech, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, PO Box 76, Epping, NSW 2121, Australia; Mount Stromlo and Siding Spring Observatories, ANU, Private Bag, Weston Creek, ACT 2611, Australia |
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| Abstract: | We present improved timing parameters for 13 millisecond pulsars (MSPs), including nine new proper motion measurements. These new proper motions bring to 23 the number of MSPs with measured transverse velocities. In light of these new results we present and compare the kinematic properties of MSPs with those of ordinary pulsars. The mean transverse velocity of MSPs was found to be 85±13 km s−1, a value consistent with most models for the origin and evolution of MSPs and approximately a factor of 4 lower than that of ordinary pulsars. We also find that, in contrast to young ordinary pulsars, the vast majority of which are moving away from the Galactic plane, almost half of the MSPs are moving towards the plane. This near-isotropy would be expected of a population that has reached dynamic equilibrium. Accurate measurements of MSP velocities have allowed us to correct their measured spin-down rates for Doppler acceleration effects, and thereby derive their intrinsic magnetic field strengths and characteristic ages. We find that close to half of our sample of MSPs have a characteristic age comparable to or greater than the age of the Galactic disc. |
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| Keywords: | stars: kinematics pulsars: general |
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