The non-thermal nebula surrounding PSR B1509-58 in the supernova remnant (SNR)G320.4-1.2 is the second brightest pulsar nebula in the X-ray sky, and as suchis optimal for a detailed study of the interaction of a young pulsar.s wind withits surroundings. The nebula displays striking asymmetric jet-like structures,and there is strong evidence of interaction between these jets and the SNRshell, providing a unique opportunity to better examine the properties of pulsarwinds. We propose to use the great sensitivity and high field of view of XMM tostudy the large-scale, diffuse emission from this distinctly anisotropic pulsarwind and its interaction with the surrounding SNR. The proposed setup will becomplementary to the existing XMM data on the pulsar and inner nebula.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-08-07T07:10:48Z/2005-09-19T07:57:44Z
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, 'G320.4-1.2 and the Asymmetric Jets from PSR B1509-58', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lnna9rt
