A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 055451
Title RX J0720 evolution: precession, glitching, the last flutterings of a magnetar?
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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
Keywords "spectral evolution", "rx j0720 evolution", "rx j0720", "XMM", "hot spots", "3125 belongs", "neutron star", "precession cycle", "xmm newton cycle", "free precession", "black body temperature", "precession hypothesis", "XMM-Newton", "J0720.4", "magnetar ?.", "broad absorption"
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Jacco Vink, 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