The discovery of millisecond variability in the hard (2.5-30 keV) emission ofneutron-star low-mass x-ray binaries opened a new window on the study of theaccretion flow and the effects of strong gravitational fields in these systems.We propose to use XMM-Newton to search for millisecond variability in the softx-ray band (0.4-2.5 keV), which is inaccessible to RXTE. We request twoobservations of 4U 1636-536 which has produces strong and narrow kHzquasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) in hard x-rays and is in the continuousviewing zone of the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer. These observations should placeimportant constraints on models of the kHz QPOs.
Instrument
EPN, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-09-28T15:24:44Z/2008-02-27T15:01:05Z
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, Prof Philip Kaaret, 2009, 'Soft X-Ray Millisecond Variability from an Accreting Neutron Star', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-mnshoir
