The high throughput of the XMM-Newton telescopes together with the uniqueproperties of the EPIC detectors (good time resolution over the full field ofview and wide energy range) are ideally suited to detect pulsations from faintX-ray sources. We propose to search for new pulsars in observations of 8 SMCfields which are known to contain several X-ray binary (XRB) candidates. We willdetermine the energy dependence of pulse profiles, characterize pulsars by theirspectrum and optically identify them, using OM data and optical follow upobservations. The results will help to further investigate the difference in theXRB populations of SMC and LMC/Milky Way.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-10-05T00:04:24Z/2007-04-12T09:45:15Z
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 Frank Haberl, 2008, 'Search for X-ray binary pulsars in the SMC', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gu6nhhq
