Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2010APRS

We propose to continue studying the only two magnetars reported to emit radio pulsations. The aim is to develop a more specific understanding of the dynamical behavior of their ultra-strong magnetic fields, which are responsible for X-ray and gamma-ray outbursts, magnetospheric currents and particle acceleration, and heating of the neutron star surface. In the past year, XTE J1810-197 has ceased to emit detectable radio pulsations, and we request only a small amount of time to monitor it for possible revival. 1E 1547.0-5408, which cannot be observed with northern telescopes, has been remarkably active over the past year: following a large X-ray outburst in October 2008, radio emission ceased, recommencing sporadically in December. In January 2009 a much larger X-ray outburst occurred, and while there has been huge variation in flux, radio emission now remains mostly detectable. The X-ray flux is gradually decaying, and meanwhile the torque on the star continues to vary enormously. At Parkes we request weekly timing to reliably track its rotation, while we monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite, and also detailed polarimetric observations every two months.