Modeling of thermal X-ray spectra and pulse profiles of radio millisecondpulsars (MSPs) may offer important insight into neutron star structure. As thenearest and brightest MSP, PSR J0437--4715 can be studied in most detail andthus provide the best constraints. Unfortunately, due to the unfavorableobserving roll angle, the existing XMM-Newton timing data from this pulsar aresignificantly contaminated by a nearby bright AGN. We propose a better optimizedand deeper XMM-Newton study of PSR J0437--4715, which could result in a majoradvance towards constraining the neutron star equation of state.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-12-15T19:40:32Z/2009-12-17T07:36:57Z
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 Slavko Bogdanov, 2011, 'Constraining the Equation of State of the Neutron Star PSR J0437-4715', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-od86m0i
