Isolated neutron stars hold the key to understand the structure and evolution ofNSs and promise insights into the behaviour of matter at ultra-high densities.The seven ROSAT INSs identified to date offer an unique opportunity in thisrespect thanks to their clean thermal emission originating directly from thestar surface. The aim is to obtain a high quality spectrum of the last of theROSAT INS candidates to be studied in detail, RBS 1774. This will provide anaccurate position, essential to allow an unambiguous identification of theoptical counterpart; pin down the temperature of the surface emission; revealany prominent spectral features or magnetospheric non-thermal component; findany pulsations to a limit of 2% semiamplitude.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-05-31T15:27:48Z/2004-05-31T23:55:17Z
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 SILVIA ZANE, 2005, 'HIGH RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPY AND TIMING OF THE ISOLATED NEUTRON STAR RBS1774', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dkab7qb
