Determine whether X-ray and optical flares are physically related

Determine whether the X-ray and optical flares of PSR J1048+2339 are physically related, using observations capable of testing their temporal and phenomenological association.

Background

PSR J1048+2339 has exhibited flares in both X-ray and optical observations. The paper discusses two possible origins for the optical flares: enhanced heating of the companion by variable pulsar irradiation and emission associated with the intrabinary shock. Because no simultaneous X-ray and optical flare pairs have yet been observed, the relationship between the two types of flares remains unresolved.

Resolving this issue would help distinguish whether the flares arise from a common physical process or from separate emission mechanisms in the companion and intrabinary environment.

References

However, it remains unclear whether the X-ray and optical flares are related as no simultaneous pairs have been observed yet.

— Sharpening the Mass Measurement of PSR J1048+2339 via High-Cadence Photometry  (2609.08456 - Li et al., 8 Sep 2026) in Section 4.1, “Flare Eclipse Interpretation”