Chandra observations of PSR B1509-58 and Supernova Remnant G320.4-1.2

B. M. Gaensler, J. Arons, M. J. Pivovaroff, V. M. Kaspi

Published 2001-11-30Version 1

The young and energetic pulsar B1509-58 powers a bright X-ray synchrotron nebula, embedded in the unusual supernova remnant G320.4-1.2. We present observations of this system with the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which show a spectacularly complicated source. The nebula is dominated by a bright collimated feature which we interpret as a relativistic jet directed along the pulsar spin axis. Several compact knots can be seen in the immediate vicinity of the pulsar. While many of these features are similar to those seen around the Crab pulsar, the nebula surrounding PSR B1509-58 shows important differences which are possibly a result of the the latter's low nebular magnetic field and low density environment.