| Name | 055451 |
| Title | RX J0720 evolution: precession, glitching, the last flutterings of a magnetar? |
| URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0554510101 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rcztiat |
| Author | European Space Agency |
| Description | RX J0720.4-3125 belongs to a group of radio-quiet isolated neutron stars, whose spectra are characterized by a black-body spectrum plus one or more broad absorption features. It is unique in that its black-body temperature, and the depth of the absorption feature is variable. The cause for this spectral evolution is unclear, but one proposed model is free precession of a neutron star with two hot spots. Observing in the next XMM-Newton cycle will complete the coverage of a putative precession cycle with a period of 7.1+/-0.5 yr. This puts the precession hypothesis to the ultimate test. |
| Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2009-03-21T12:50:08Z/2009-03-21T20:19:43Z |
| Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
| Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2010-04-22T00:00:00Z |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, 2010, Rx J0720 Evolution: Precession Comma Glitching Comma The Last Flutterings Of A Magnetarquestionmark, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rcztiat |