Pulsar constraints on neutron star structure and equation of state

Sep, 1999
5 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.Lett. 83 (1999) 3362-3365
e-Print:

Citations per year

1999200620132020202505101520
Abstract: (arXiv)
With the aim of constraining the structural properties of neutron stars and the equation of state of dense matter, we study sudden spin-ups, glitches, occurring in the Vela pulsar and in six other pulsars. We present evidence that glitches represent a self-regulating instability for which the star prepares over a waiting time. The angular momentum requirements of glitches in Vela indicate that at least 1.4% of the star's moment of inertia drives these events. If glitches originate in the liquid of the inner crust, Vela's `radiation radius' must exceed ~12 km for a mass of 1.4 solar masses. Observational tests of whether other neutron stars obey this constraint will be possible in the near future.
  • 26.60.+c
  • 97.60.Gb
  • 97.60.Jd