We propose a multiwavelength study of the unique X-ray source RXJ0806.3+1527. A strong X-ray modulation at a period of 321s was recently detected from ROSAT HRI data. We also detected highly significant optical pulsations at the X-ray period during an observation of the V=21 optical counterpart from the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. The absence of any additional optical modulation up to periods of about 7hr as well as the stability of the modulation itself leave us with few possible scenarios for explaining the nature of this object. Among these, RXJ0806.3+1527 might be an isolated neutron star, an X-ray pulsar in a low mass X-ray binary, or an X-ray emitting double degenerate system with the shortest known orbital period.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-11-02T08:59:42Z/2002-11-02T16:58:51Z
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, 2003, 'Multiwavelength XMM study of RXJ0806.3+1527 comma a unique X-ray/optical pulsator', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9b6bl36
