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Detection of Geminga as a radio pulsar

Author

Listed:
  • V. M. Malofeev

    (Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory, Astro Space Center, P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute)

  • O. I. Malov

    (Pushchino Radio Astronomy Observatory, Astro Space Center, P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute)

Abstract

Geminga was discovered as a strong γ-ray source in the constellation Gemini over two decades ago1,2, and was later detected at X-ray3 and optical4 wavelengths. X-ray pulsations5 with a period of 237 ms established that it is a rotating neutron star. Although γ-ray pulses were subsequently discovered (once the period was known) in archived data6, no evidence for radio emission (either continuum or pulsed) was found; in this respect, Geminga is different from every other neutron star with pulsed emission. Here we report the detection of pulsed 102.5-MHz radio emission from Geminga, with a period of 237 ms. The flux density varies within the range 5–500 mJy and the pulse width varies between 10 and 80 ms. The small dispersion measure (2.9 ± 0.5 pc cm−3) confirms Geminga's proximity to the Sun and establishes it as the weakest known radio pulsar. This observation poses a considerable challenge for pulsar emission models, which must now be able to explain the exceptional contrast between the strength of the γ-ray and radio emission from this object.

Suggested Citation

  • V. M. Malofeev & O. I. Malov, 1997. "Detection of Geminga as a radio pulsar," Nature, Nature, vol. 389(6652), pages 697-699, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:389:y:1997:i:6652:d:10.1038_39530
    DOI: 10.1038/39530
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