We propose the first useful focusing X-ray observations of PSR J1734-3333, apossible magnetar progenitor. This source, a 1.2 s radio pulsar, has inferredmagnetic field 5.2x10^13 G, above the quantum critical field and close to those of magnetars. In observations made over 10 yr, we have measured a braking index for this source, n=1.3715+/-0.0077. So low a braking index isunprecedented and suggests magnetic field growth: this source may soon become, or is already, some form of magnetar. The requested short observation could detect anomalous X-ray emission from this object and complete the hypothesizedevolutionary chain between high-B rotation-powered pulsars and magnetars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-03-09T21:58:39Z/2009-03-10T01:00:33Z
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, 2010, 'PSR J1734-3333: A Magnetar Progenitor', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-isqiwqy
