GT-We propose to observe two of the best candidates for isolated neutron stars(INS) discovered to date from ROSAT data. The overall observational pictureis consistent with that expected from INS, either young and cooling or old andaccreting from the interstellar medium. EPIC and RGS spectra have thecapability to reveal spectral features of several ions from which temperatureand abundances of the neutron star atmosphere can be estimated and to putunprecedented constraints on the equation of state of neutron stars. The EPICPN-CCD will also allow to carry out a sensitive search for periodicity asfound for RXJ0720-3125, important to distinguish between the proposed X-raypowering models which have strong implications on the magnetic field strength.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-11-08T13:35:26Z/2002-04-09T08:16:00Z
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 Bernd Aschenbach, 2003, 'X-ray study of isolated neutron stars TS_31', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jgqf0fz
