XMM-Newton Observes the Intrabinary Shock of PSR J1959+2048
Abstract
In a multi-orbit (100 ks) XMM-Newton exposure of the original black widow pulsar, PSR J1959+2048, we measure the strong orbital modulation caused by intrabinary shock (IBS) emission. The IBS light curve peak appears asymmetric, which we attribute to sweep-back effects in the companion wind. We also see evidence for an X-ray eclipse by the companion and its wind. Together with the IBS fit, this supports an edge-on i 90 view of the system and a modest 1.8M mass for the recycled pulsar. Our IBS fit parameters imply a wind flux that, if persistent, would evaporated the companion within a few Gyr.
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