Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2009APRS

Here 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. Most of our time request is for 1E 1547.0-5408, which cannot be observed with northern telescopes, and has been remarkably active over the past few months: on October 3, 2008, the pulsar displayed a large X-ray outburst, accompanied by a very large period glitch; at the same time radio emission ceased. The X-ray flux is gradually decaying, and on December 11 we have redetected radio activity. Meanwhile, the torque on the star continues to vary enormously. At Parkes we will require nearly weekly timing to reliably track its rotation, while we monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite. For both magnetars we also request bi-monthly polarimetry and flux measurements.