We propose four XMM observations of 40ksec exposure each of the quiescenteclipsing neutron star 4U2129+47. The summed observations will provide a verydetailed orbital phase-resolved average spectrum. The lightcurve from individualobservations will map out the X-ray ephemeris, and the phase-folded lightcurvewill determine the size of the hard X-ray emission region. With XMM we willmeasure the hard power law tail, measure or place astrophysically interestinglimits on the size of the hard power law tail emission region, improve thestatistics of the soft X-ray spectrum and lightcurve to further test neutronstar atmosphere models, search for evidence that the sinusoidal modulationamplitude has changed, and possibly detect 3rd body orbital modulation of the X-ray eclipse.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-11-29T04:18:22Z/2008-01-18T13:41:55Z
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 Michael Nowak, 2009, '4U 2129+47: A Powerful Probe of Quiescent Neutron Star Emission', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-j4qmbq4
