We propose to observe the nearby, high magnetic field radio pulsars PSRsB1916+14 and B1845-19 in order to search for thermal emission from theirsurface. Models of thermal emission from neutron stars predict that thesepulsars can have detectable emission arising from cooling of their interior ordecay of their magnetic field. The pulsars are located at distances less than 2kpc and in regions of low interstellar absorption, offering us a rareopportunity to place strong constraints on the presence of any anomalous thermalX-ray emission from possible radio pulsar/magnetar transition objects.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-03-25T12:50:05Z/2008-03-25T22:12:24Z
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, 'Searching For Thermal Emission in Two Nearby High Magnetic Field Radio Pulsars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ij0oto7
