This XMM program is aimed at studying the quiescent state of the Anomalous X-rayPulsar (AXP) XTE J1810-197. The transient X-ray behaviour of this source ismaking possible to study its properties over an unprecedented range of fluxlevels and energies. Moreover, the recent detetion of XTE J1810-197 as one ofthe brightest (fading) radio pulsars (a unique property amongst AXPs) make evenmore compelling the need of carrying out simultaneous multiwavelengthobservations and of considering its broad band emission as a whole whenmodelling the timing and spectral properties. Thus, this source represents aRosetta stone for our understanding of the nature and emission mechanism ofAXPs, and for a unified scheme for isolated neutron stars (NSs) encompassing dissimilar classes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-09-16T00:59:09Z/2007-09-16T21:48:07Z
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 GianLuca Israel, 2008, 'Unveiling the quiescent state properties of the transient AXP XTE J1810-197', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4v4ewt1