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Paper: Magnetized Neutron Stars in the Interstellar Medium
Volume: 488, 8th International Conference of Numerical Modeling of Space Plasma Flows (ASTRONUM 2013)
Page: 134
Authors: Toropina, O. D.; Romanova, M. M.; Lovelace, R. V.E.
Abstract: We investigate the propagation of magnetized, isolated old neutron stars through the interstellar medium. We performed axisymmetric, non-relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the supersonic motion of neutron star with dipole magnetic field aligned with its velocity through the interstellar medium (ISM). We consider two cases: (1) where the accretion radius is larger than Alfvén radius, i.e. Racc>>RA and gravitational focusing is important; and (2) where Racc<<RA and the magnetized star interacts with the ISM as a “georotator”, without significant gravitational focusing. In the first case we observe Bondi-Hoyle accretion onto an isolated magnetized neutron star. In the second case magnetic field lines are stretched downwind from the star and form a hollow elongated magnetotail. Reconnection of the magnetic field is observed in the tail which may lead to acceleration of particles.
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