Understanding Pulsar Wind Nebulae with the SKA

Abstract

Produced by the interaction between the ``pulsar wind'' powered by the rotational energy of a neutron star and its surroundings, the study of pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) provides vital insight into the physics of neutron star magnetospheres and ultra-relativistic outflows. Spatially-resolved studies of the continuum and polarized radio emission of these sources are vital for understanding the production of $e^{\pm }$ in the magnetospheres of neutron stars, the acceleration of these particles (and potentially baryons) to $\gtrsim 10^{15}\mathrm{eV}$ energies, and their propagation within the PWN and in the surrounding interstellar medium. The significant improvements in sensitivity, dynamic range, timing capabilities offered by the Square Kilometer Array have the potential to greatly improve our understanding of the origin of some of the highest energy particles produced in the Milky Way.

Published in Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA II (AASKAII), 2026 (arXiv:2606.20366). Report-no: AASKAII/Gelfand01. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2512.16160