A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 055451
Title RX J0720 evolution: precession, glitching, the last flutterings of a magnetar?
Download Data Associated to the proposal

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0554510101
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0554510201

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rcztiat
Principal Investigator, PI Dr Jacco Vink
Abstract RX J0720.4-3125 belongs to a group of radio-quiet isolated neutron stars, whosespectra are characterized by a black-body spectrum plus one or more broadabsorption features. It is unique in that its black-body temperature, and thedepth of the absorption feature is variable. The cause for this spectralevolution is unclear, but one proposed model is free precession of a neutronstar with two hot spots. Observing in the next XMM-Newton cycle will completethe coverage of a putative precession cycle with a period of 7.1+/-0.5 yr. Thisputs the precession hypothesis to the ultimate test.
Publications
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 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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2010-04-22T00:00:00Z
Last Update 2025-01-27
Keywords "3125 belongs", "precession cycle", "black body temperature", "rx j0720", "spectral evolution", "hot spots", "rx j0720 evolution", "XMM-Newton", "xmm newton cycle", "precession hypothesis", "broad absorption", "J0720.4", "XMM", "neutron star", "magnetar ?.", "free precession"
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Jacco Vink, 2010, 'RX J0720 evolution: precession, glitching, the last flutterings of a magnetar?', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rcztiat