PSR B1338-62 is a young radio pulsar coincident with the unusual supernovaremnant (SNR) G308.8-0.1. Motivated by Chandra images of a similar youngpulsar/SNR system in which the pulsar interacts with its SNR through arelativistic jet, we propose that PSR B1338-62 is associated with SNRG308.8-0.1, and powers a collimated outflow which is re-energising the SNR. Wewere awarded AO2 XMM observations to test this possibility, but the data wereseverely compromised by high radiation levels. We here repropose thisexperiment.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-07-26T15:07:59Z/2005-07-27T01:38:16Z
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, Prof Bryan Gaensler, 2006, 'PSR B1338-62 and SNR G308.8-0.1: An Interacting SystemquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-a0dhj4l
