Space cowboys odyssey: beyond the Gould Belt

TL;DR

This paper introduces an advanced population synthesis model for nearby cooling neutron stars, highlighting new candidate locations beyond the Gould Belt and suggesting novel search strategies for identifying these objects.

Contribution

The study presents a detailed model incorporating spatial distribution and ISM structure, proposing new methods and regions for discovering isolated cooling neutron stars.

Findings

New candidates likely behind the Gould Belt and in OB-rich regions

Expected hotter neutron stars than known populations

Potential for discovery in gamma-ray error boxes and among run-away OB stars

Abstract

We present our new advanced model for population synthesis of close-by cooling NSs. Detailed treatment of the initial spatial distribution of NS progenitors and a detailed ISM structure up to 3 kpc give us an opportunity to discuss the strategy to look for new isolated cooling NSs. Our main results in this respect are the following: new candidates are expected to be identified behind the Gould Belt, in directions to rich OB associations, in particular in the Cygnus-Cepheus region; new candidates, on average, are expected to be hotter than the known population of cooling NS. Besides the usual approach (looking for soft X-ray sources), the search in 'empty' $\gamma$-ray error boxes or among run-away OB stars may yield new X-ray thermally emitting NS candidates.