The X-ray point source at the center of the remnant of SN1181 (3C58) is almostcertainly the youngest neutron star we have yet observed. Although slightlyyounger than the Crab pulsar, both it, and its surrounding synchrotron nebulaare roughly 1000 times less luminous than the Crab. We want to know why. Wepropose EPIC observations to gather two key pieces of data needed to solve thismystery: the star.s spin period and its temporally resolved spectrum which isessential for defining its X-ray emission mechanism(s). The result will be acrucial additional datum on the distribution of the natal properties of neutronstars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-02-22T03:00:32Z/2001-02-22T12:09:22Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Prof David Helfand, 2002, 'Taking the Pulse of Our Youngest Neighborhood Neutron Star', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ivovy69
