HEARTBEAT OF THE MOUSE: A YOUNG RADIO PULSAR ASSOCIATED WITH THE AXISYMMETRIC NEBULA G359.23-0.82

摘要

We report the discovery of PSR J1747-2958, a radio pulsar with period P = 98ms and dispersion measure DM = 101cm~(-3) pc, in a deep observation with the Parkes telescope of the axially symmetric "Mouse" radio nebula (G359.23-0.82). Timing measurements of the newly discovered pulsar reveal a characteristic age P/2P = 25 kyr and spin-down luminosity E = 2.5 x 10~(36) ergs s~(-1). The pulsar (timing) position is consistent with that of the Mouse's "head." The distance derived from the DM (≈2 kpc) is consistent with the Mouse's distance limit from H_I absorption (<5.5 kpc). Also, the X-ray energetics of the Mouse are compatible with being powered by the pulsar. Therefore, we argue that PSR J1747-2958, moving at supersonic speed through the local interstellar medium, powers this unusual nonthermal nebula. The pulsar is a weak radio source, with a period-averaged flux density at 1374MHz of 0.25mJy and a luminosity of ～1mJy kpc~2.