RXJ0720.4-3125 is a very soft, periodically variable source(P = 8.39 sec). These characteristics, together with the absence of an optical counterpart, lead to the suggestion that this object isweak-field isolated old neutron star, accreting from the ISM.We will use the RGS to perform phase-resolved spectroscopy, using adedicated CCD read-out mode that will yield a phase resolution ofapproximately 0.1. The EPIC cameras will be used to obtain alow spectral resolution, phase resolved soft spectrum.Copied from PV proposal 12410 to be used for EPIC calibration (M. Ehle)
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-11-21T18:30:57Z/2000-11-22T03:06:07Z
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 Albert Brinkman, 2000, 'EPIC filter calibration using RX J0720.4-3125', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lf9f2qt
