A major open issue in neutron star astrophysics is the connection between highmagnetic field radio pulsars (HBRP), isolated neutron stars (INS), andmagnetars. It is unclear why young HBRPs do not exhibit magnetar-like emission,and how INSs are related to both populations. We propose to observe threenearby, HBRPs to search for thermal emission from their surface. This emissionis predicted to be observable if dominated by magnetic field decay. The pulsarshave small distances and are regions of low interstellar absorption, offering usa rare opportunity to detect this emission or place strong constraints on itspresence. We will then be able to test whether there are overlapping radiativeproperties from the HBRPs to magnetars, or whether they really are two distinct classes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-03-15T21:34:59Z/2009-03-16T05:00:13Z
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 Marjorie Gonzalez, 2010, 'Searching for thermal emission from nearby high magnetic field radio pulsars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xwzubn7
