We propose to observe the peculiar neutron star low mass X-ray binary (NS/LMXB)2S 1803-245 in quiescence. Together with EXO 1745-248, it is the only transientthat reached peak luminosities comparable to the Eddington- limit. This makes 2S1803-245 one of the thermally brightest NSs in quiescence according to thecooling theory, and therefore one of the best quiescent NSs to investigate.Furthermore, EXO 1745-248 showed enhanced cooling and its quiescent spectrum wascompletely dominated by a power-law tail, suggested to be related to a highmagnetic field strength NS (as is also suggested in the brightest NS/LMXBs).This makes 2S 1803-245 an excellent candidate to verify the connection betweenhigh magnetic field strength NS and the high peak luminosity during outburst.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-04-05T22:23:52Z/2005-04-06T05:04:07Z
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 Remon Cornelisse, 2006, 'Quiescent observations of the peculiar X-ray transient 2S 1803-245', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-e434y2p
