We propose to observe the quasi-persistent neutron-star low-mass X-ray binariesKS 1731-260 and MXB 1659-29 once in their quiescent state during Cycle 3 ofXMM-Newton. These observations will strongly constrain the time evolutionbehaviour of the quiescent properties of those systems. In the context of thecooling neutron star model for the quiescent emission in neutron star X-raytransients, our proposed observations will follow the cooling time of the crustand core of the neutron stars in those systems. Our previous XMM-Newton andChandra observations of both systems have already shown that the crusts of theneutron stars in both systems cooled down rapidly, setting stringent constraintson the structure of the neutron stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-02-28T22:41:14Z/2005-03-02T05:01:01Z
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 RUDY WIJNANDS, 2006, 'MONITORING TWO QUASI-PERSISTENT X-RAY BINARIES IN QUIESCENCE', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xp5d5v3
