The ..magnetar. model, proposed to account for the nature of the X-ray emissionfrom AXPs, assume that these sources are powered by magnetic field decay of amagnetic field strength of >10^14 Gauss. If the magnetar scenario is correct,proton cyclotron features (PCFs) are expected to lie in the X-ray band. Wepropose an XMM observation of the 4U0142+614, the brightest source of this classof pulsars. The present request is first aimed at searching for an absorptionfeature due to proton cyclotron scattering, that would allow us to finally inferits magnetic field strenght. Secondly, we will study the link between timing andspectral properties. Finally, we will check for the presence of a broad spectralfeature we marginally detected during a ASCA 2001 observation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-03-01T09:16:55Z/2004-07-25T10:16:20Z
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 NANDA REA, 2005, 'XMM SEARCH FOR PROTON CYCLOTRON FEATURES IN IN THE AXP 4U0142+614', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-pagwxax
