Discovery of an Isolated Compact Object at High Galactic Latitude

TL;DR

We discovered a compact object at high Galactic latitude, likely a nearby radio millisecond pulsar, with unique properties that challenge existing classifications and offer new opportunities for astrophysical research.

Contribution

This paper reports the identification of a new compact object, Calvera, as a potential nearby radio millisecond pulsar, expanding the known population and challenging existing neutron star models.

Findings

Calvera is likely a nearby radio millisecond pulsar.

It has the highest X-ray flux among millisecond pulsars.

It may be the closest known millisecond pulsar in the sky.

Abstract

We report discovery of a compact object at high Galactic latitude. The object was initially identified as a ROSAT All-Sky Survey Bright Source Catalog X-ray source, 1RXS J141256.0+792204, statistically likely to possess a high X-ray to optical flux ratio. Further observations using {\em Swift}, Gemini-North, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory refined the source position and confirmed the absence of any optical counterpart to an X-ray to optical flux ratio of F_X/F_V > 8700 (3 sigma). Interpretation of 1RXS J141256.0+792204 -- which we have dubbed Calvera -- as a typical X-ray-dim isolated neutron star would place it at z ~ 5.1 kpc above the Galactic disk -- in the Galactic halo -- implying that it either has an extreme space velocity (v_z >~ 5100 km s-1) or has failed to cool according to theoretical predictions. Interpretations as a persistent anomalous X-ray pulsar, or a ``compact central object'' present conflicts with these classes' typical properties. We conclude the properties of Calvera are most consistent with those of a nearby (80 to 260 pc) radio pulsar, similar to the radio millisecond pulsars of 47 Tuc, with further observations required to confirm this classification. If it is a millisecond pulsar, it has an X-ray flux equal to the X-ray brightest millisecond pulsar (and so is tied for highest flux); is the closest northern hemisphere millisecond pulsar; and is potentially the closest known millisecond pulsar in the sky, making it an interesting target for X-ray-study, a radio pulsar timing array, and LIGO.