A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 040002
Title XMM-Newton Observation of PSR B0826-34: A Test of Pulsar Inner Gap Models
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https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0400020101

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-toh1xi3
Principal Investigator, PI Prof Bing Zhang
Abstract The properties of the inner gaps have been subject to theoretical debate. X-rayobservations of the sub-pulse drifting pulsars open a door to greatly constrainthe properties of the inner gaps from the data. A previous XMM observation ofPSR B0943+10 by the PI has provided strong evidence of the existence of apartially screened inner gap in this pulsar. In order to definitely test thetheory, an observation of another sub-pulse drifting radio pulsar with highersignificance is desirable. PSR B0826-34 is an ideal target to achieve this goal.We propose a 50 ks exposure of this pulsar to detect the X-ray emission due topolar cap heating and to differentiate a thermal spectrum from a power law one.This has profound implications for the understanding of pulsar inner gaps.
Publications
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2006-11-13T17:33:40Z/2006-11-14T09:00:33Z
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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2008-01-04T00:00:00Z
Last Update 2025-01-27
Keywords "thermal spectrum", "psr b0943", "xmm newton", "inner gaps", "definitely test", "greatly constrain", "XMM-Newton", "profound implications", "pulsar inner gaps", "xray emission", "polar cap heating", "XMM", "psr b0826", "power law", "ideal target"
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Prof Bing Zhang, 2008, 'XMM-Newton Observation of PSR B0826-34: A Test of Pulsar Inner Gap Models', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-toh1xi3