We propose two XMM observations of the archetypical composite supernova remnantMSH15-56 (G326.3-1.8). We have detected a faint point source and diffuse nebulawith Chandra which appear to be the compact object and it associated pulsar windnebula. These two XMM observations will confirm the identification of the objectas an X-ray synchrotron nebula, its association with the larger supernovaremnant, and the age of the supernova remnant. The inferred properties of thepulsar from the Chandra data indicate that this object might be in anintermediate region between normal radio pulsars and radio-quiet neutron stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-08-11T06:24:43Z/2004-08-11T22:25:02Z
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 PAUL PLUCINSKY, 2005, 'MSH15-56: CLOSING IN ON THE PULSAR', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1n00a11
