2XMM J104608.7-594306 is a newly discovered INS sharing many properties of theintriguing Magnificent Seven (M7). It shows thermal X-ray emission, stable flux,no counterparts at other wavelengths, and has a unique temperature between theM7 and the only X-ray-detected RRAT. Estimates of birthrates of M7-like INSs andRRATs show they may greatly outnumber active radio pulsars, meaning the rate ofType II SN cannot account for all observed classes. This INS is of particularimportance since it may well be a missing link between the M7, magnetars andRRATs. We propose to characterize its spectrum, infer its magnetic field frompossible absorption lines and measure its spin period to constrain itsevolutionary status and shed light on its relation to other INSs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-12-06T00:08:05Z/2010-12-07T01:23:22Z
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 Adriana Mancini Pires, 2011, 'Unveiling the nature of the isolated neutron star 2XMM J104608.7-594306', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-o9hucws
