The spin-down rates of two Isolated Neutron Stars were recently measured using acompilation of XMM-Newton and Chandra data spanning 5 years. Both objects werefound to have magnetic field strengths of 3e+13 G, intermediate between ordinarypulsars and magnetars. Interestingly, strong timing noise, spectral variability,and pulse morphology changes were observed in RX J0720.4-3125 -- characteristicscommonly seen in magnetars. Here, we propose a monitoring campaign of two INSsto better constrain their timing characteristics, identify glitches, and furtherprobe spectral variability and pulse morphology evolution. Through which, weintend to better quantify the similarities and differences with magnetars, andthus elucidate the nature of INSs as a class.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-06-08T22:15:17Z/2007-06-11T16:54:19Z
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 Peter Woods, 2008, 'Long-term Monitoring of Two Isolated Neutron Stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jk5n15r
