Chandra and XMM observations of 1E 1207.4-5209, the central compact object inthe SNR PKS 1209--51/52, led to the discoveries of its 424 ms spin period andprominent absorption lines in its thermal-like X-ray spectrum, which provided anexciting opportunity to measure the gravitational redshift at the surface of aneutron star. These observations, spread over a 3.5 yr period, have alsorevealed an intriguing nonmonotonous behavior of the spin period. To understandthe nature of this enigmatic object, we propose a series of observations withthe XMM EPIC detectors.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-06-22T12:09:26Z/2005-07-31T19:02:55Z
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 George Pavlov, 2006, '1E 1207.4-5209: The Puzzling Radio-quiet Pulsar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kmolyg7
