Three new transient millisecond X-ray pulsars (TMXPs) have been discoveredrecently. Together with SAX J1808.4-3658 these transients show peculiarcharacteristics (beyond pulsations, e.g. orbital periods of virgul40 min) whichlikely indicate that they form a separate sub-class in between transient neutronstar systems. Also in quiescence SAX J1808.4-3658 is peculiar, showing a lowerluminosity and the lack of a soft component. These observational facts likelyindicate the presence of a massive (>1.7 solar masses) neutron star, confirmingthe recycling connection between LMXRBs and MSPs. Here we propose to observe thenew three TMXPs in quiescence to unveil their properties and to identifysimilarities and differences with SAX J1808.4-3658.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-05-04T17:38:09Z/2004-09-09T07:40:54Z
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 SERGIO CAMPANA, 2005, 'UNVEIL THE PROPERTIES OF MILLISECOND TRANSIENT X-RAY PULSARS IN QUIESCENCE', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gt8obeu
