Discovering the pulsar in the Cas A supernova remnant is the key to confirmingthe interpretation of the Central Compact Objects (CCOs) as a major class ofneutron stars (NS) that are born spinning slowly (P gt 100 ms) and withsurprisingly weak magnetic fields (B lt 1.e11 G). Mounting evidence for such apopulation has overtaken the previous hypothesis for the Cas A CCO as a magnetarin quiescence. XMM can make the definitive search for pulsations from this, theyoungest known NS. A pulsar in Cas A will reveal the spin period and dipoleB-field of a NS at an age that is only a few percent of the known magnetars andCCOs. It will address the relationship between initial angular momentum andnatal magnetic field, and investigate their role in the evolution of young NSs.
Instrument
EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-06-25T04:39:08Z/2010-06-30T16:51:20Z
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 Eric Gotthelf, 2011, 'The Central Compact Object in Cassiopeia A: Magnetar or Anti-MagnetarquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-iyvflvs
