HST as a powerful astrometric tool for pulsar astronomy

Abstract

Given their intrinsic faintness, isolated neutron stars represent an elusive target for optical astronomy. Up to date, an optical counterpart has been identified only for a very tiny fraction of the overall population of more than 1000 radio pulsars. The HST contributions to the optical studies of isolated neutron stars have been recently reviewed by Mignani et al. (2000) and by Caraveo et al. (these proceedings). Here, we review its specific contribution in the field of pulsar astrometry and kinematics.