ESA Science & Technology - Untwisting magnetospheres of neutron stars

Publication date: 05 September 2009

Authors: Beloborodov, A.M.

Journal: The Astrophysical Journal
Volume: 703
Page: 1044
Year: 2009

Copyright: 2009. The American Astronomical Society.

Magnetospheres of neutron stars are anchored in the rigid crust and can be twisted by sudden crustal motions ("starquakes"). The twisted magnetosphere does not remain static and gradually untwists, dissipating magnetic energy and producing radiation. The equation describing this evolution is derived, and its solutions are presented.