We propose a single 35 ksec XMM-Newton observation of the very-faint X-raybinary AX J1754.2-2754, an enigmatic neutron star system that is underluminousby orders of magnitude compared to the well-known bright sources. AXJ1754.2-2754 is a candidate ultra-compact X-ray binary and observations withother X-ray satellites suggest that it has an unusually soft spectrum with apowerlaw index of virgul3. With our proposed observation we will obtain high-qualitydata of AX J1754.2-2754, which allows for a detailed spectral (e.g., verify itssoftness) and timing study (e.g., search for possible orbital modulations, X-raypulsations and type-I X-ray bursts), which can refine our understanding of thenature of this system.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-03-17T10:00:16Z/2011-03-17T23:48:12Z
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, Mrs Nathalie Degenaar, 2012, 'The enigmatic neutron star X-ray binary AX J1754.2-2754', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-76kyxgv
