Jet-like structures from PSR J1135–6055

Abstract

Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) produced from supersonic runaway pulsars can render extended X-ray structures in the form of tails and prominent jets. In this Letter, we report on the analysis of ∼130 ks observations of the PWN around PSR J1135–6055 that were obtained with the Chandra satellite. The system displays bipolar jet-like structures of uncertain origin, a compact nebula around the pulsar likely formed by the bow shock ahead of it, and a trailing tail produced by the pulsar fast proper motion. The spectral and morphological properties of these structures reveal strong similarities with the PWNe in other runaway pulsars, such as PSR J1509–5850 and Geminga. We discuss their physical origin considering both canonical PWN and jet formation models as well as alternative scenarios that can also yield extended jet-like features following the escape of high-energy particles into the ambient magnetic field.