We propose to perform the first high spectral resolution studies of the recentlyfound milihertz quasi-periodic oscillations in the X-ray time variability of twoneutron star systems. These phenomena are very likely due to a marginally stablenuclear burning on the neutron star surface which means that by measuring thegravitational redshift of the spectral lines we will be able to constrain themass-to-radius ratio. Furthermore, the resulting spectrum can give us furtherinformation about the emitting area, and particularly, the temperature obtainedfrom the spectral fits will confirm if the local accretion rate onto the star isvirgulL_E as the simulations suggest. This could prove, for the first time, theextent to which the accreted material spreads over the surface.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-10-05T04:19:22Z/2010-10-05T19:03:49Z
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, Mr D. Altamirano, 2011, 'First high resolution spectral studies from marginally stable nuclear burning', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0dtffqt
