XTE J1701-462 is likely the most luminous Galactic transient neutron star LMXB(NSXB) in the history of X-ray astronomy. Early observations have alreadychallenged our view on the role of mass accretion rate in NSXBs. Observing XTEJ1701-462 as it returns to quiescence creates a unique opportunity to study theeffects of mass-accretion rate on the spectral/variability properties in asingle NSXB over an unprecedented luminosity range. We propose aChandra/XMM-Newton TOO program with two goals: 1) observe the source during theend of the decay and in quiescence, to complete what might well become a.Rosetta stone. for NSXBs and 2) constrain the structure of neutron stars bystudying the effects of super- Eddington accretion on the cooling of the crust/core in transient NSXBs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-08-26T00:36:33Z/2007-09-28T14:29:42Z
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 Jeroen Homan, 2008, 'From Super-Eddington to zero: following a Z source into quiescence', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zfald6i
