The nature of anomalous X-ray pulsars (AXPs) is one of the most importantunsolved problems in Galactic high-energy astrophysics. AXPs are spinning-downpulsars with a soft X-ray spectrum, apparently not powered by accretion from acompanion star, and with a luminosity larger than the available rotationalenergy loss of a neutron star. Two main models have been proposed to explaintheir behaviour: accretion from a residual disc or strong magnetic fields (i.e.magnetars). The aim of this proposal is to measure the optical pulsed fractionand broad-band spectrum using ULTRACAM+VLT and XMM, thereby placing the magnetarmodel of AXPs on a sound observational footing.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-06-16T17:24:34Z/2005-06-28T14:42:39Z
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 V. Dhillon, 2006, 'A search for optical pulsations in the Anomalous X-ray Pulsar 1E 1048.1-5937', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1q8k6c0
