X-Ray Jet, Counter-jet, and Trail of the Fast-moving Pulsar PSR B2224+65

Abstract

Abstract I report the detection of linear X-ray features associated with PSR B2224+65, based on a new Chandra observation, plus two obtained ∼6 and 12 yr earlier. This mid-aged pulsar is known for its extreme proper motion and its associated guitar-shaped optical nebula in the opposite direction. The main jet-like feature with the same proper motion is ∼ 2 .′ 4 long and directed 62° away from the nebula, which is associated with a faint X-ray tail detected for the first time. Also now clearly revealed are the sharp forward edge and epoch-dependent substructures of the feature and its curvature near the pulsar, as well as a much fainter/shorter counter-jet. Magnetic field appears to play a central role in the formation of the features, which represent the synchrotron radiation of energetic particles leaked out from the bow shock nebula through small holes, produced probably by localized magnetic reconnection, and streaming along interstellar magnetic field lines.