Speaker
Nanda Rea
(University of Amsterdam/CSIC-IEEC)
Description
Magnetars are a small subset of the neutron star population, being the strongest magnets we know of. They show themselves via powerful X/gamma-ray steady and flaring emission. The energetics of such flares in our Galaxy second only the supernova explosions. In this talk I will first review the observational characteristics of these highly magnetic pulsars, and some recent discoveries in the field. Subsequently, I will present what we
currently know about their life-cycle, through detailed simulations of neutron star magneto-thermal evolution and pulsar population synthesis. I will then finish with some considerations on how the study of the Galactic population of magnetars might constrain their possible connection with Gamma Ray Bursts.
Author
Nanda Rea
(University of Amsterdam/CSIC-IEEC)
