6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Geometric Modelling of Crab-like and Vela-like Pulsar Systems

8 Jul 2026, 16:20
1h 20m
Great Hall ( University of the Western Cape)

Great Hall

University of the Western Cape

Poster Presentation Track D - Astrophysics & Space Science Poster Session 2

Speaker

Mr Trevor Nyambe (Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

Description

Young neutron stars power bright multi-wavelength emission and drive energetic pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). Accurate interpretation of these signals depends on the magnetic inclination ($\alpha$) and viewing angle ($\zeta$); however, independent observables often yield conflicting geometric constraints. To investigate these discrepancies, we analysed a sample of eight high-spin-down pulsars ($\dot{E} \gtrsim 10^{34}$ erg/s), categorised by characteristic age into Crab-like ($\sim$1 kyr) and Vela-like ($\sim$10 kyr) populations. For each source, we applied three independent geometric tracers: radio polarimetry (Rotating Vector Model), $\gamma$-ray light-curve modelling (TPC/OG/CS models), and X-ray imaging of PWN tori. Our comparison reveals that while some pulsars show multi-wavelength consistency, others exhibit significant geometric offsets. Our results suggest that standard emission models may require refinements, particularly regarding emission altitudes or magnetospheric structure, to reconcile the geometry across the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Author

Mr Trevor Nyambe (Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

Co-authors

Prof. Benjamin Stappers (Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK) Prof. Christo Venter (Centre for Space Research, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa)

Presentation materials

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