Could 2S 0114+650 Be a Magnetar?

Abstract

We investigate the spinevolution of the binary X-ray pulsar 2S 0114+650, which possesses theslowest known spin period: ~2.7 hr. We argue that, to interpret such along spin period, the magnetic field strength of this pulsar must beinitially >~10^14 G; that is, it was born as a magnetar. Since the pulsarcurrently has a normal magnetic field of ~10^12 G, our results presentsupport for magnetic field decay predicted by the magnetar model.