Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2008OCTS

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\nUntil now this subject has relied overwhelmingly on X-ray observations.\r\nFor these two objects, radio provides an additional window through which\r\nto study the magnetar phenomenon. The radio emission (discovered at\r\nParkes) is variable and has properties, different from ordinary pulsars,\r\nthat are not yet understood (flat spectrum, changing fluxes and pulse\r\nprofiles). The torque experienced by these two stars varies enormously,\r\nand can only be tracked now in the radio. Most of our time request is\r\nfor 1E 1547.0-5408 which cannot be observed with northern telescopes.\r\nAt Parkes we require weekly timing to reliably track its rotation, while\r\nwe monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite. For both magnetars\r\nwe also request bi-monthly polarimetry and flux measurements.