RXTE Observations of 1E 1841-045 Following Bright Bursts
ATel #3155; F. P. Gavriil (NASA/GSFC & UMBC), R. Dib (Dawson College, McGill University), V. M. Kaspi (McGill University)
on 10 Feb 2011; 22:32 UT
Credential Certification: Fotis Gavriil (gavriil@milkyway.gsfc.nasa.gov)
Subjects: X-ray, Neutron Star, Pulsar
On 2011 February 8 the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) observed a short burst from the direction of the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar (AXP) 1E 1841-045 (see GCN #11673). 10 hours later another burst was detected with the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) aboard Fermi (GCN #11684) The properties of the bursts were consistent with those seen from other magnetars. On 2011 February 9 the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observed the AXP for 3 ks. The RXTE observations revealed no further bursts, and no significant changes in the pulsed flux or pulse profile of the source. Also, there was no unusual phase offset of the average pulse profile relative to the long-term rotational ephemeris, arguing against any rotational glitch. It is unusual for such bright bursts to be observed from an AXP without corresponding changes in the persistent emission as measured by RXTE. X-ray imaging observations are required to determine if there were changes in the unpulsed emission. However, Chandra, Swift, XMM, and Suzaku are currently unable to observe the source due to Sun constraints, which will ease in the next days to weeks.
