Binary millisecond pulsars (MSPs) found in the field are thought to be.recycled. from accreting pulsars. These MSPs have short periods, low spindownrates (Pdot) and consequently low surface magnetic fields (Bs) as Bs isproportional to (Pdot P)^0.5. It is unclear, however, how the MSP surfacemagnetic field can evolve from the high fields observed in pulsars to the lowMSP values. Two models have been proposed to explain this. Also, the origin ofthe high energy emission is unclear as too few MSP X-ray observations have beenmade to differentiate between competing models. With these XMM-Newtonobservations of four MSPs previously unobserved in X-rays, we will discriminatebetween differing models describing the magnetic field evolution and the high energy emission origin.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-02-17T10:05:04Z/2008-04-20T20:32:30Z
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 Natalie Webb, 2009, 'Why are millisecond pulsar magnetic fields low and how do their X-rays arisequestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0669brp
