Radio Time-Domain Signatures of Magnetar Birth

Abstract

The last decade has seen the rapid, concurrent development of new classes of energetic astrophysical transients, including Fast Radio Bursts, Superluminous Supernovae, and ultralong gamma-ray bursts. We consider the implications of an emerging consensus on the origin of these diverse phenomena as different signatures of magnetar birth. We describe how magnetar-powered radio transients from milliseconds to gigaseconds will be used to address diverse physical questions related to the stellar evolution and death, the circum- and intergalactic medium, and fundamental physics on scales ranging from the quantum to cosmological. We argue that high-sensitivity radio interferometer concepts in development will be critical to accessing this science. There is also a growing need for scientists with expertise in new statistical tools and software techniques.

Science white paper for Astro2020