A Quarter Century of Guitar Nebula/Filament Evolution

TL;DR

This study presents a 25-year multi-epoch analysis of the Guitar Nebula's X-ray and H-alpha structures, revealing insights into the evolution of TeV particles and filament dynamics influenced by particle diffusion.

Contribution

It provides the first long-term observational constraints on the evolution of the Guitar Nebula's filamentary structure and TeV particle behavior.

Findings

Enhanced cross-field diffusion behind the filament's leading edge.

Evolution of filament surface brightness over 25 years.

Constraints on TeV particle evolution in pulsar nebulae.

Abstract

We have collected a new deep {\it Chandra X-ray Observatory} ({\it CXO}) exposure of PSR B2224+65 and the `Guitar Nebula', mapping the complex X-ray structure. This is accompanied by a new {\it HST} H$\alpha$ image of the head of the Guitar. Comparing the {\it HST} and {\it CXO} structures in 4 epochs over 25 years, we constrain the evolution of the TeV particles that light up the filament. Cross-field diffusion appears to be enhanced, likely by the injected particles, behind the filament's sharp leading edge, explaining the filament width and its evolving surface brightness profile.