In this proposal we explore, for the first time, the potential of a new methodfor selecting AXP/SGR candidates, based on the newly discovered hard X-rayspectral characteristics of the class. We selected four dim persistentunidentified radio-quiet INTEGRAL sources with a relatively bright ROSAT sourcein their positional uncertainty regions. If even only one of the four sources wepropose to observe turns out to be a new AXP/SGR, this will impact on (i) thelink with other isolated neutron star classes, (ii) the birth rate of the classand the selection effects of the original sample (iii) the prospect for theidentification of future candidates.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-08-15T17:10:41Z/2007-03-03T18:20:00Z
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 GianLuca Israel, 2008, 'In search for new AXPs-SGRs: the first hard X-ray selected sample', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-403vc14
