4U 0142+61 is a 8.7-s anomalous X-ray pulsar (AXP) which, in data from ourRXTE monitoring program, recently showed pulsations that were slowly butsteadily getting brighter (24% increase in 6 yr), in concert with a slowevolution of its soft X-ray pulse profile. Such behavior is unprecedented for anAXP and challenges the current magnetar model. We request XMM observations ofthe source in Cycle 6 in order to monitor its phase-averaged flux and itsspectrum, to try to shed light on the physical origin of this surprisingbehavior, as well as to better characterize recent and apparently ongoingbursting activity in the source.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-01-27T16:45:13Z/2008-03-07T03:49:40Z
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 Victoria Kaspi, 2009, 'XMM Monitoring of the Evolving AXP 4U 0142+61', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zfmheju
