Name | 040023 |
Title | Constraining the Temperature of the Neutron Star in SAX J1808.4-3658 |
URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0400230401 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9wvs86e |
Author | Dr Craig Heinke |
Description | We propose two 50-ksec observations of the transient millisecond X-ray pulsar SAX J1808.4-3658 (J1808) in quiescence. The previous (36 ksec XMM, MOS only) observation of J1808.s X-ray spectrum did not show a clear blackbody-like component from the neutron star (NS) surface. J1808.s known mass transfer rate and low photon cooling rate require rapid neutrino cooling. This is the most restrictive current constraint upon the structure of NS interiors, and thus on the behavior of matter at high densities. We propose a substantial improvement of this constraint, capable of ruling out a pion condensate as the mechanism for rapid neutrino cooling. Our secondary objective is to measure or constrain any variability in the quiescent X-ray luminosity and spectrum of J1808. |
Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
Temporal Coverage | 2006-09-14T14:16:41Z/2007-03-11T08:27:14Z |
Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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 | 2008-03-29T00:00:00Z |
Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Craig Heinke, 2008, 040023, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9wvs86e |