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arXiv · 1210.7112

Central compact objects and their magnetic fields

Wynn C. G. Ho
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Abstract

Central compact objects (CCOs) are neutron stars that are found near the center of supernova remnants, and their association with supernova remnants indicates these neutron stars are young (<~ 10^4 yr). Here we review the observational properties of CCOs and discuss implications, especially their inferred magnetic fields. X-ray timing and spectral measurements suggest CCOs have relatively weak surface magnetic fields (~ 10^10 - 10^11 G). We argue that, rather than being created with intrinsically weak fields, CCOs are born with strong fields and we are only seeing a weak surface field that is transitory and evolving. This could imply that CCOs are one manifestation in a unified picture of neutron stars.

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Wynn C. G. Ho. 2012-10-26. Central compact objects and their magnetic fields. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1743921312023289

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