We request XMM observations of four Anomalous X-ray Pulsars.It has recently been argued that these unusual objects aremagnetars, ultra-high magnetic field, isolated neutron stars. With the requested observations, we will test the magnetar hypothesis using high-resolution spectroscopy, by comparing pulse-phase-resolved spectra with those predicted by models of neutron star thermal X-rayemission in the presence of a high magnetic field. If the magnetar hypothesis is correct, we will constrain basic physical properties of these neutron stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-06-11T08:06:28Z/2002-06-11T23:40:28Z
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 Victoria Kaspi, 2003, 'Anomalous X-ray Pulsars and the Magnetar Hypothesis', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-o0fjm38
