Investigating the Recursive Short X-Ray Burst Behavior of Magnetars through Crustal Interactions

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Keskin, Özge, Lander, Samuel K. and Göğüş, Ersin (2025) Investigating the Recursive Short X-Ray Burst Behavior of Magnetars through Crustal Interactions. Astrophysical Journal, 985 (1). ISSN 0004-637X

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Abstract

Energetic bursts from strongly magnetized neutron stars, known as magnetars, are typically detected in clusters. Once an active episode begins, anywhere from a few to thousands of hard X-ray bursts can occur over durations ranging from days to months. The temporal clustering of these recurrent bursts during an active episode suggests an underlying mechanism that triggers multiple bursts in rapid succession. These burst clusters are likely crucial for understanding the processes driving magnetar activity. In this study, we investigate the repetitive short X-ray burst behavior of magnetars through crustal interactions, employing the cellular automaton model for the magnetar crust proposed by S. K. Lander. Our simulations, based on physically motivated criteria, successfully reproduce burst clustering. Additionally, the durations and energetics of active episodes in our simulations agree well with observational data. We discuss the potential physical mechanisms underlying burst clusters observed in numerous magnetars, as well as the reactivations of an individual magnetar.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: astronomy and astrophysics,space and planetary science ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3100/3103
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 09 Feb 2026 15:40
Last Modified: 09 Feb 2026 15:40
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/101875
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/adc915

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