Rapid X-Ray Variations of the Geminga Pulsar Wind Nebula
Rapid X-Ray Variations of the Geminga Pulsar Wind Nebula
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DOI：
10.3847/1538-4357/aa862c
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发表时间：
2017-08
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影响因子：
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通讯作者：
C. Hui;Jongsu Lee;A. Kong;P. Tam;J. Takata;K. Cheng;Dongsu Ryu Chungnam National University;National Tsing hua University;U. Oxford;S. University;Huazhong University of Science;Technology;U. O. H. Kong;Unist;Kasi
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文献类型：
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作者：
C. Hui;Jongsu Lee;A. Kong;P. Tam;J. Takata;K. Cheng;Dongsu Ryu Chungnam National University;National Tsing hua University;U. Oxford;S. University;Huazhong University of Science;Technology;U. O. H. Kong;Unist;Kasi
A recent study by Posselt et al. reported the deepest X-ray investigation of the Geminga pulsar wind nebula (PWN) by using Chandra X-ray Observatory. In comparison with previous studies of this system, a number of new findings have been reported, and we found that these suggest the possible variabilities in various components of this PWN. This motivates us to carry out a dedicated search for the morphological and spectral variations of this complex nebula. We have discovered variabilities on timescales from a few days to a few months from different components of the nebula. The fastest change occurred in the circumstellar environment at a rate of 80% of the speed of light. One of the most spectacular results is the wiggling of a half light-year long tail as an extension of the jet, which is significantly bent by the ram pressure. The jet wiggling occurred at a rate of about 20% of the speed of light. This twisted structure could possibly be a result of a propagating torsional Alfv́en wave. We have also found evidence of spectral hardening along this tail for a period of about nine months.
