During its activation phase, the Fermi Large Area Telescope has discovered thetime signature of a radio quiet neutron star coincident with RX J0007.0+7302,the source at the center of the young SNR CTA-1. The inferred timing parameterspoint to a Vela-like neutron star with an age comparable to that estimated forthe SNR. Existing XMM-Newton observations of RX J0007.0+7302 show a tantalizing,although far from compelling, evidence for pulsation. In view of the obviousinterest of this newly discovered radio quiet neutron star, here we ask for anorbit-long XMM-Newton observation of the CTA-1 central source. With a full orbitit will be possible to study its X-ray timing behaviour, taking advantage of thecontemporary timing parameters provided by the Fermi LAT telescope.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-03-07T13:05:37Z/2009-03-09T00:31:26Z
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 Patrizia Caraveo, 2010, 'Searching for X-Ray pulsations from the radio quiet Gamma-ray pulsar within CTA1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-h8513af
