We propose to observe the anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) 1E 1048.1-5937, 1E2259+586 and 1RXS J1708-4009 five times each using EPIC over the course of AO3.Our goal is to measure the pulsed fluxes and spectral parameters at multipleepochs with a single imaging instrument, in order to settle, once and for all,the controversial issue of whether AXPS are flux-variable sources. Determiningif there is flux variability in AXPs, and whether it is correlated with spectralparameters, pulsed fraction, spin-down rate, and/or bursting activity is centralto physically understanding this exotic class of neutron stars, and toconstraining the magnetar model.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-02-11T16:27:34Z/2005-07-29T00:42:42Z
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, Prof VICTORIA KASPI, 2006, 'FLUX VARIABILITY IN openParANOMALOUSclosePar X-RAY PULSARS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-sncllbc
