Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope

Once in a lifetime observations of Be X-ray binary PSR J2032+4127/MT91 213 through periastron

Wynn Ho

Abstract:

Ten years ago, Fermi observations revealed PSR J2032+4127, which turns out to be a 143 ms radio and gamma-ray pulsar in a very eccentric, 49 year orbit around the high-mass Be star MT91 213, with periastron passage on 2017 November 13. The pulsar also likely powers the TeV source J2032+4130. Many properties of the system are similar to the previously unique pulsar binary PSR B1259-63/LS 2883, which contains a 48 ms pulsar in a 3.4 year orbit around its high-mass companion. At nearly half the distance, PSR J2032+4127 is a unique tool for testing our understanding of PSR B1259-63 but one that can only be used once every 49 years. In this talk, I discuss our multiwavelength campaign to monitor the PSR J2032+4127/MT91 213 system through periastron passage and the important role Fermi provides in the study of this system.