We propose a deep observation of 1E 161348-5055, an enigmatic radio-quietcompact source lying close to the center of the young (virgul2 kyrs) supernovaremnant RCW 103. At variance with all others Central Compact Objects (CCOs) inSupernova Remnants (SNRs), which behave like isolated neutron stars, it shows aremarkable flux variability, including a possible virgul6 hours periodicity. A longand uninterrupted 100 ksec EPIC observation will conclusively address thephenomenology of 1E 161348-5055, proving it to be a truly unique binary systemin a SNR, or some sort of missing link between CCOs and other classes ofradio-quiet neutron stars such as Anomalous X-ray Pulsars and Soft GammaRepeaters.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-08-23T07:28:44Z/2005-08-24T07:53:58Z
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 Andrea De Luca, 2006, 'Using EPIC to understand the nature of the puzzling compact source in RCW 103', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-qm94kww
