Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2009APRS_01

Here we propose to continue studying the only two magnetars known to emit\r\nradio pulsations. The aim is to develop a more specific understanding of\r\nthe dynamical behavior of their ultra-strong magnetic fields, which are\r\nresponsible for X-ray and gamma-ray outbursts, magnetospheric currents\r\nand particle acceleration, and heating of the neutron star surface.\r\nMost of our time request is for 1E 1547.0-5408, which cannot be observed\r\nwith northern telescopes, and has been remarkably active over the past\r\nfew months: on October 3, 2008, the pulsar displayed a large X-ray\r\noutburst, accompanied by a very large period glitch; at the same time\r\nradio emission ceased. The X-ray flux is gradually decaying, and on\r\nDecember 11 we have redetected radio activity. Meanwhile, the torque\r\non the star continues to vary enormously. At Parkes we will require\r\nnearly weekly timing to reliably track its rotation, while we monitor\r\nits X-ray flux with the Swift satellite. For both magnetars we also\r\nrequest bi-monthly polarimetry and flux measurements.