We propose XMM-Newton observations of two new X-ray faint candidates of isolatedneutron star with thermal X-ray emission. EPIC data is needed to test X-rayvariability and will yield constraints on the spectral properties of thecandidates. Furthermore, the proposed observations will improve the positionalaccuracy, necessary for follow-up optical observations. All the recent surveysconcentrated only on the brightest ROSAT sources. The distribution models ofthese neutron stars within our galaxy suffer from missing faint sources.Including deep ROSAT pointed observations we propose candidates one to twoorders of magnitudes weaker than the faintest known X-ray thermal isolatedneutron star. As optical reference we use the Sloan survey, the deepest large-area optical survey currently available.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-11-23T01:52:56Z/2009-11-23T09:22:04Z
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 Bettina Posselt, 2010, 'New faint X-ray thermal isolated neutron stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kblhc0w
