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Klingler et al. report
the results of X-ray (Chandra X-ray Observatory) and radio (ATCA) observations of the pulsar wind nebula
(PWN) powered by the young pulsar PSR J1016–5857, which they dub "the Goose" PWN. In both
bands the images reveal a tail-like PWN morphology which can be attributed to pulsar's motion.
The radio tail connects to a larger radio structure (not seen in X-rays)
which we interpret as a relic PWN (also known as a plerion).
The image above shows the total intensity image of PSR J1016-5857 taken at 20cm with the ATCA.
The "+" sign marks the position of the pulsar and the beam size is shown in lower left.
The scale bars are in units of Jy/beam.
The pulsar sits at the front of the head of the "Goose", and which connects to the bent neck,
and in turn to the outstretched wings and finally, at the left hand side, to the tail.
The nickname for the nebula continues a fine and imaginative tradition by astronomers
of giving names to pulsar wind nebulae -- the Goose joins the Duck, the Dragon,
the Mouse, the Turkey, the Turtle, and the Kookaburra!
By comparing archival and new Chandra observations, the authors
measure the pulsar's proper motion and derive
a projected pulsar velocity of about 440 km/s in a direction
consistent with the PWN shape.
This velocity is typical for pulsars with measured velocities, and
results from the "kick" they receive from the supernova explosion that produced them.
The results are published in the Astrophysical Journal.
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