PSR J1846-0258 Timing
PI: E. V. Gotthelf
Co: V. M. Kaspi, M. A. Livingstone, D. Thompson
Title: Listening in on Baby - Monitoring the Youngest Known Pulsar
Abstract: The remarkable young pulsar PSR~J1846-0258 resides
in the core of a Crab-like pulsar wind nebula at the center of the
bright shell-type SNR Kes~75. Based on its spin-down rate and
X-ray spectrum, PSR~J1846-0258 is likely the youngest known
rotation-powered pulsar. Compared to the Crab pulsar, however, its
period, spin-down rate, and X-ray conversion efficiency are each an
order of magnitude greater, likely the result of its extreme magnetic
field, above the quantum critical threshold. We propose to continue
our monitoring campaign of PSR~J1846-0258 to refine our recent
measurement of the braking index and search for further evidence of
glitches. Furthermore, an X-ray ephemeris contemporary with
GLAST is critical for a first detection of this pulsar in gamma-rays.
As a bonus, these observations will also monitor the mysterious
magnetar-candidate AX J1845-0258.