We propose to monitor the dipping low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676 as it turnsoff and becomes quiescent. RXTE pointed observations of EXO 0748-676 duringAugust 2008 show the source at the lowest flux level since the beginning of theRXTE mission in 1996, indicating that X-ray activity may cease soon, after beinga steady accreting X-ray binary since February 1985 (ATel #1736). The proposedXMM observations aim to look at the source both as it turns off and in theperiod after it ceases X-ray activity to determine the cooling of the neutronstar crust, which has been heated by more than 20 years of outburst.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-03-18T00:37:57Z/2009-07-02T12:24:39Z
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 Maria Diaz Trigo, 2010, 'The fading of the extraordinary low mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7646o35
