On May 14, 2008, the Swift/BAT triggered on an X-ray flare from the unidentifiedROSAT source 1RXJ173523.7-354013. Following the BAT detection, Swift observedthe source with the X-ray Telescope (XRT), starting about 150s after the BATtrigger. A very bright X-ray source has been detected;a factor of about 1000brighter than the ROSAT flux of 1RXHJ173523.7-354013, and it was displaying arapid flux fading. In the following months the source reached a rather stableflux but at about 3 times higher than the ROSAT flux. By combining all theavailable Swift data to date, we found evidence for 41 minutes period in thelight curve, which is most likely the binary orbital period. We ask for 30ks XMMpointing in order to unveil the nature of this enigmatic source, and confirm our period determination.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-03-20T09:37:35Z/2010-03-21T00:28:11Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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, Prof GianLuca Israel, 2011, 'The Enigmatic Transient Bursting Source 1RXJ173523.7-354013', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-00fdug0
