We propose a detailed spectroscopic study of the quiescent counterpartof a soft gamma-ray repeater in order to search for spectral features exploiting the unique characteristics of the EPIC detectors.SGRs might consist of young neutron stars with extremely high magnetic fields. For these magnetic fields, 10e14-10e15 G, proton cyclotron features lie in the X-ray band. Recent model atmosphere calculations predict that these features are conspicuous, EWvirgul100 eV, and relatively broad, DeltaE/Ecvirgul0.05-0.2.The detection of proton cyclotron features would provide decisiveevidence of the fields of magnetars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-03T13:35:27Z/2003-10-07T15:55:03Z
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 SANDRO MEREGHETTI, 2004, 'Search for Proton Cyclotron Features in the Magnetar Candidate SGR1806-20', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-h1igmer
