Observational progress in the last few years has led to the identification of a small class (in number) of anomalous X-ray pulsars2, without massive companions and with pulse periods in the 6--12 s range. These neutron stars are still poorly understood: are they isolated or in very low mass binaries Why are their spectra so soft Why are their spin increasing secularly How are they formed The possibility of extending the small sample of AXPs through XMM observations should not be underestimated as it might yield new insights on the nature and origin of these neutron stars. We propose to observe 1E1841-045 (2x10ks exposures) and AX J1845.0-0300 (2x20ks exposures) with XMM instruments for a total time of 60ks.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-03-19T14:15:43Z/2003-03-19T21:41:59Z
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, Dr Gianluca Israel, 2004, 'XMM observations of two anomalous X-ray pulsars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0pb1w1a
