Proposed is an XMM-Newton observation of the eclipsing millisecond pulsarJ2051-0827 in a 8.6 ks orbital period binary system with a low-mass companion.Optical observations have shown that this system is another example, in additionto PSR B1957+20, of a ..black widow. pulsar, whose relativistic pulsar windablates the stellar companion and creates an intrabinary shock. Studying thespectrum and light curve of the X-ray emission from the shocked relativisticwind provides an opportunity to elucidate the properties of the wind andunderstand the nature of this important class of millisecond pulsars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-04-26T09:49:08Z/2009-04-26T23:41:23Z
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 Vyacheslav Zavlin, 2010, 'Are all black widows alikequestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0mc06mp
