RX J0720.4-3125 belongs to a group of seven isolated and radio-quiet X-raypulsars discovered during the ROSAT all sky survey; the so called ..MagnificentSeven (M7). Among them, RX J0720.4-3125 occupies an unique place inasmuch itexhibits spectral and temporal variations on time scales of years that are notseen for the other M7. These variations could be the result of a sudden event(e.g. a glitch), or they are periodic in nature, e.g. caused by free recession.In either case one expects to see further spectral/temporal evolution. Applyinga timing solution with constant spin-down ( dot{P} ) to RX J0720.4-3125 leads tolarge variable phase residuals with a sinusoidal pattern (but having two humpsof different heights) and a variable phase lag abridge
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-05-02T23:25:17Z/2011-10-01T11:15:58Z
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, Mr Markus Hohle, 2012, 'Spectral and temporal variations of the X-ray pulsar RX J0720.4-3125', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1xco2fz
