A multi-wavelength view of PSR J0437-4715 with NICER and other missions: Radius measurements from far-ultraviolet to hard X-ray pulse profile modeling
How to prepare an accurate paper press kit? Illustrated guide
Pierre Stammler, Sebastien Guillot, Denis González-Caniulef, Isak Svensson, Anna L. Watts, Tuomo Salmi et al. · arXiv: 2610.41846v1 · Summary page
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Measuring a neutron star across the spectrum
An updated analysis of the millisecond pulsar PSR J0437-4715 combines far-ultraviolet through hard X-ray observations to infer an equatorial radius of 11.35 km. The researchers model how its emission changes as it rotates, incorporating hot surface regions, the warmer surrounding surface and a pulsed non-thermal component. Radio timing supplies additional constraints on mass, distance and viewing geometry.
The resulting radius estimate is unusually precise for this kind of measurement, although it remains an inference through an emission model rather than a direct image of the stellar edge. Combined with measurements of other pulsars, it narrows the possible relationships between pressure and density inside neutron stars. That connects telescope observations to nuclear physics under conditions inaccessible in terrestrial laboratories.
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