GBT20A-470

A Targeted Search for Millisecond Pulsars In Globular Clusters

Abstract

We plan to search three globular clusters with recently associated gamma-ray counterparts, M14, M79, and Mercer 5, for millisecond pulsars. Millisecond pulsars have been shown to be the source of many Fermi unassociated sources, and globular clusters are known to host large populations of millisecond pulsars. We therefore believe that these three globular clusters are highly likely to have populations of millisecond pulsars and are excellent targets for pulsar searches. To our knowledge these three globular clusters have not been searched for pulsars so the potential for new discoveries is high. As globular clusters also are known to host exotic systems, such as eccentric pulsar binaries and one confirmed triple system, the opportunity to discover a highly physically interesting systems is also high.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Brent Shapiro-Albert *	West Virginia University
Maura McLaughlin	West Virginia University
William Fiore	British Columbia, University of; West Virginia University

* indicates the PI