Subsonic propellers in a strong wind as anomalous X-ray pulsars

(Anomalous) X-ray Pulsars

Prior to the commissioning of BeppoSAX and the Rossi X-ray Timing Observatory in 1996, the so-called “Anomalous” X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) were considered very mysterious sources, because the energy source for their bright X-ray emission was unknown. At the time, there were only 3 known members of this class. They were distinguished by having periods in the narrow range 6–9 s, showing approximately ...

The Anomalous X-ray Pulsars

Glitches in Anomalous X-ray Pulsars

We report on 8.7 and 7.6 yr of Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations of the Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) RXS J170849.0−400910 and 1E 1841−045, respectively. These observations, part of a larger RXTE AXP monitoring program, have allowed us to study the long-term timing, pulsed flux, and pulse profile evolution of these objects. We report on four new glitches, one from RXS J170849.0−4...

Recent Progress on Anomalous X - ray Pulsars

I review recent observational progress on Anomalous X-ray Pulsars, with an emphasis on timing, variability, and spectra. Highlighted results include the recent timing and flux stabilization of the notoriously unstable AXP 1E 1048.1−5937, the remarkable glitches seen in two AXPs, the newly recognized variety of AXP variability types, including outbursts, bursts, flares, and pulse profile changes...

Spectral properties of anomalous X-ray pulsars

In this paper, the spectra of the persistent emission from anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) and their variation with spin-down rate Ω̇ is considered. Firstly, based on an accretion-powered model, the influences of both magnetic field and mass accretion rate on the spectra properties of AXPs are addressed. Subsequently, the relation between the spectral property of AXPs and mass accretion rate Ṁ is...