Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2011APRS_01

We propose to continue studying 1E 1547.0-5408, one of the two magnetars
known to currently emit radio pulsations. The aim is to develop a more
specific understanding of the dynamical behavior of their magnetospheres
and 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. 1E 1547.0-5408, which cannot
be observed with northern telescopes, has been remarkably active over
the past 2 years: following a large X-ray outburst in October 2008, radio
emission ceased, recommencing sporadically in December. In January 2009,
a much larger X-ray outburst occurred, and since then there have been huge
variations in its radio flux. 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 track its rotation and radio flux,
while we monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite.