NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0199
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0199 |
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PI: David Kaplan, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, kaplan@uwm.edu
Address: 1900 E. Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
CoI: Varun Bhalerao, The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
CoI: Marten van Kerkwijk, University of Toronto
CoI: Kevin Stovall, University of Texas at Brownsville
Title: Understanding the Strange Metal-Rich Companion to PSR J1816
Abstract:
We discovered the eclipsing millisecond pulsar J1816+4510 in a radio survey
toward an unidentified Fermi source. Since then we have identified its
companion in optical/ultraviolet data, and its multi-wavelength properties
place it apart from all other sources: we see strong absorption from
hydrogen, helium, and metals, but while significantly larger than a white
dwarf it is much smaller than a B star. The companion could be evolving into
a helium white dwarf, although the mass loss required for the radio eclipses
is surprising, and the (a priori) likelihood of finding an object in this
phase is rather small. Independently, though, PSR J1816 appears to be a
unique transition object, with implications for studies of white dwarf
evolution, relativistic winds, and neutron star masses. We request Gemini
GMOS-N observations of this system. With 3 blocks of 3 hours in relatively
poor conditions we can measure the orbit of the companion and hence measure
the masses, and greatly improve the abundances. This will be a first crucial
step toward detailed understanding of the system.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2013A-0199 |
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