The recently discovered 5.5s pulsar XTE J1810-197 is the first confirmedTransient Anomalous X-ray Pulsar (TAXP), likely a magnetar with a huge magneticfield of 3E14 G. XTE J1810-197 is currently in outburst but fading with a 300day e-fold time. Archival data spanning 24 yrs indicate that this is ashort-lived active state, which implies the existence of a vast population ofunexplored young NSs. From its lack of pulsations and softer spectrum inquiescence, XTE J1810-197 may also hold the key to unify the magnetar model forSGRs, AXPs, and central compact objects in SNRs. We propose to continue oursemi-annual XMM monitoring campaign of XTE J1810-197 to follow its flux, spin,and spectral evolution, to capture for the first time a complete cycle of a TAXP from quiescence, to outburst, and back.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-03-18T23:26:35Z/2006-03-13T06:43:27Z
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 Eric Gotthelf, 2005, 'Catching a Fading Transient Anomalous X-ray Pulsar in Transition', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-w5m4uaq
