Post-glitch Recovery and the Neutron Star Structure: The Vela Pulsar

TL;DR

This study analyzes the Vela pulsar's glitch recovery over 100 months, comparing observational data with vortex creep and bending models, revealing correlations and estimating the pulsar's braking index.

Contribution

It provides a detailed observational analysis of Vela pulsar glitches, testing vortex models and identifying correlations, with an estimated braking index.

Findings

Post-glitch recovery consistent with vortex creep model

Positive correlation between glitch size and next glitch interval

Estimated braking index of 2.94 ± 0.55

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the Vela pulsar's rotational behaviour using approximately 100 months of observational data spanning from September 2016 to January 2025, during which four glitches were identified. Here, we demonstrate the post-glitch recovery of these glitches within the framework of the vortex creep model. We further present the investigation of vortex residuals (the discrepancy between observed values and those predicted by the vortex creep model) by interpreting them in the context of the vortex bending model. In addition, we report a positive correlation between the glitch magnitude and the time to the next glitch, applicable only for the large glitch events observed in the Vela pulsar. Furthermore, we estimate the braking index of the Vela pulsar to be 2.94 $\pm$ 0.55.