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arxiv: 1211.0347 · v1 · pith:6MDYHEOInew · submitted 2012-11-02 · 🌌 astro-ph.HE · gr-qc· hep-th

The helical jet of the Vela Pulsar

classification 🌌 astro-ph.HE gr-qchep-th
keywords pulsardynamicsshapevelaarcminute-longcampaignchandracomprising
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We have studied the fascinating dynamics of the nearby Vela pulsar's nebula in a campaign comprising eleven 40ks observations with Chandra X-ray Observatory (CXO). The deepest yet images revealed the shape, structure, and motion of the 2-arcminute-long pulsar jet. We find that the jet's shape and dynamics are remarkably consistent with that of a steadily turning helix projected on the sky. We discuss possible implications of our results, including free precession of the neutron star and MHD instability scenarios.

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