We propose observations of three pulsars with magnetic fields comparable to thefields of the anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs). Because their spin-down parametersare very similar to those of the AXPs, we might expect them to have similarX-ray properties. We have in fact analyzed a Chandra observation with one ofthese pulsars serendipitously in the field and detect X-ray emission from thepulsar with high significance. This emission seems to be thermal in nature, witha blackbody temperature far above that measured for any radio pulsar. Theproposed observations will place much tighter constraints on the X-ray emissionfrom these pulsars. These observations will show whether these pulsars are thelong-sought-after missing link between the radio pulsars and the magnetars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-09-14T05:50:04Z/2004-10-22T05:03:45Z
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 FERNANDO CAMILO, 2006, 'A STUDY OF X-RAY EMISSION FROM THREE HIGH-MAGNETIC-FIELD RADIO PULSARS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0u7vf69
