Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2009OCTS

We propose to continue studying the only two magnetars known to emit
radio pulsations. The aim is to develop a more specific understanding of
the dynamical behavior of their ultra-strong magnetic fields, which are
responsible for X-ray and gamma-ray outbursts, magnetospheric currents
and particle acceleration, and heating of the neutron star surface.
In the past 6 months, XTE J1810-197 has ceased to emit detectable radio
pulsations, and we request only a small amount of time to monitor it for
possible revival. 1E 1547.0-5408, which cannot be observed with northern
telescopes, has been remarkably active over the past several months:
following a large X-ray outburst in October, radio emission ceased,
recommencing sporadically in December. In January a much larger X-ray
outburst occurred, and while there has been huge variation in flux,
radio emission now remains mostly detectable. The X-ray flux is
gradually decaying, and meanwhile the torque on the star continues to
vary enormously. At Parkes we request weekly timing to reliably track
its rotation, while we monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite.