We have discovered 105-ms X-ray pulsations from the compact central object (CCO)in the supernova remnant Kes 79, one of six enigmatic X-ray emitters whosenature is a great mystery. We propose to follow the all-important spin-downevolution in order to quantify the energetics of the pulsar and test whether itis powered by rotation, accretion, or a more exotic process. We will compare thetiming properties of this pulsar with 1E 1207.4-5209 in PKS 1209-51/52, the onlyother confirmed CCO pulsar, whose strange spin-down irregularity suggests thatit might not be an isolated NS. The relationship between ordinary pulsars, CCOs,and anomalous X-ray pulsars, may be greatly illuminated by timing measurementsof this new pulsar.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-10-08T05:50:55Z/2007-03-21T05:39:53Z
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 Eric Gotthelf, 2008, 'Timing the Newly Discovered Pulsar at the Center of Supernova Remnant Kes 79', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jhlqqvo
