PSR J1856+0245 is a young, energetic pulsar recently discovered by our group inthe Arecibo PALFA radio-pulsar survey. It is a new addition to the small sampleof Vela-like pulsars, which often have observable X-ray pulsar wind nebulae.Indeed, archival ASCA data contain the extended source AX J1856+0245, which iscoincident with the radio pulsar position and is thus an excellent pulsar windnebula candidate. We propose to image this X-ray source with XMM-Newton, inorder to determine its nature and relation to PSR J1856+0245.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-03-27T18:57:32Z/2008-03-28T10:18:55Z
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 Jason Hessels, 2009, 'Imaging the Environment of the Newly Discovered Young Pulsar J1856+0245', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7i2hwm4
