Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2010OCTS_01

We propose to continue studying two of the three magnetars known 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. 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 20 months: 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 since then there have been huge variations in its radio flux. The X-ray flux is gradually decaying, and meanwhile the torque on the star, measured through radio timing, 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.