| We propose two 12-h epochs of high-sensitivity array (HSA) VLBI observations of the recently discovered pulsar in
3C 58, PSR J0205+6449, to measure its proper motion. The pulsar's large timing noise precludes a reliable proper
motion determined from timing. Our innovative strategy allows us to simultaneously use the GBT in the VLBI
array and to obtain the absolute pulse phase using Spigot. The phase will allow us to gate the VLBA processor to
increase the signal-to-noise ratio. PSR J0205+6449 is one of the most energetic and likely youngest known pulsars,
and an accurate position and proper motion are essential parameters which should be measured for this interesting
object. PSR J0205+6449's proper motion is particularly interesting because of the unsettled question of 3C 58's age:
its traditional association with the supernova of 1181 A.D. has recently been repeatedly questioned. In particular,
the pulsar is o#set from the center of the thermal X-ray shell. If the pulsar was at the center of the X-ray shell in
1181 A.D., its proper motion should be #30 mas yr -1 , easily determinable with the proposed observations, which
should allow an accuracy of < 2mas yr -1 . |
