Thirty years of pulsar studies at ESO. The Italian Contribution

TL;DR

Over 30 years, Italian astronomers have significantly advanced the optical and IR study of neutron stars at ESO, expanding from two to about 30 identified INSs and paving the way for future research with the E-ELT.

Contribution

This paper reviews three decades of INS research at ESO, emphasizing Italian contributions and future prospects with the E-ELT.

Findings

Identification of about 30 INSs in optical/IR

Major role of Italian astronomers in INS studies

Preparation for future research with E-ELT

Abstract

In May 1982, when Italy joined ESO, only two isolated neutron stars (INSs) had been identified in the optical: the Crab and Vela pulsars. Thanks to the ESO telescopes and the perseverance of a few Italian astronomers, now about 30 INSs have been identified in the optical/IR, and a new important channel in their multi-wavelength studies has been opened. In this contribution, I review the major steps in 30 years of INS studies at ESO, highlight the role of Italian astronomers, and introduce future perspectives with the E-ELT.