We propose X-ray observations of the radio pulsar PSR J1734-3333, a possiblemagnetar progenitor. This source, a 1.2 s radio pulsar, has inferred surfacemagnetic field 5.2e13 G, well above the quantum critical field and very close tothose of bona fide magnetars. In radio timing observations we have recentlymeasured a stable braking index for this source, n=1.3715+/-0.0077. So low abraking index is unprecedented and suggests effective magnetic field growth,such that this source may soon become some form of magnetar. A previous shortexploratory XMM observation revealed clear X-ray emission from this source. Herewe request a longer follow-up observation in order to determine the sourcesspectral properties and to search for pulsations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-03-11T10:25:17Z/2011-03-12T22:42:24Z
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, Prof Victoria Kaspi, 2012, 'PSR J1734-3333: A Magnetar ProgenitorquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rhfzmk6
