Dr. Yosi Gelfand

New York University

"Radio Emission from the Magnetar SGR 1806-20 Giant Flare"

On 2004 December 27, the brightest flash of gamma-rays yet observed was detected from the extremely magnetic neutron star (magnetar) SGR 1806-20 -- only the third, and by far most luminous, Giant Flare detected from such objects. Analysis of radio observations shortly after this event discovered a new, extremely bright but variable radio source at the location of this neutron star. In this talk, I will present the results from a long-term monitoring campaign of this radio source, which I will argue indicates this emission is being driven by material blown off the surface of the neutron star during this giant flare.

Background reading
• The Growth, Polarization, and Motion of the Radio Afterglow from the Giant Flare from SGR 1806-20
• A Re-brightening of the Radio Nebula associated with the 2004 December 27 giant flare from SGR 1806-20
• Diagnosing the outflow from the SGR 1806-20 Giant Flare with Radio Observations
• An expanding radio nebula produced by a giant flare from the magnetar SGR 1806-20

Received December 6, 2007