The Zoo of Isolated Neutron Stars

Abstract

In this brief review, I summarize our basic knowledge about different types of isolated neutron stars. I discuss radio pulsars, central compact objects in supernova remnants, magnetars, nearby cooling neutron stars (also known as the magnificent seven), and sources of fast radio bursts. Several scenarios of magneto-rotational evolution are presented. Recent observational data, such as the discovery of long-period radio pulsars, require the non-trivial evolution of magnetic fields, the spin periods of neutron stars, or both. In some detail, I discuss different models of magnetic field decay and interactions of young neutron stars with fallback matter.

Topics & Concepts