Collision-Induced Glitch/Anti-Glitches

Abstract

We suggest that the collision of a small solid body with a pulsar can lead to an observable glitch/anti-glitch. The glitch amplitude depends on the mass of the small body and the impact parameter as well. In the collision, a considerable amount of potential energy will be released either in the form of a short hard X-ray burst or as a relatively long-lasting soft X-ray afterglow. The connection between the glitch amplitude and the X-ray energetics can help to diagnose the nature of these timing anomalies.

3 pages, 1 figure, proceedings of "Quarks and Compact Stars" conference hold in Oct. 20-22, 2014 (organized by KIAA at Peking University, China); to appear in a special issue of Chinese Astronomy and Astrophysics