Clear evidences of orbital phase-dependent interactions between the two pulsarsof the relativistic double neutron star binary PSR J0737-3039 are seen both inradio and X-rays observations. In particular, XMM recently discovered the X-raybrightening of PSR B via energy transfer from PSR A, a process probablycorrelated with the strong radio intensity fluctuations of PSR B seen along theorbit. No other X-ray observatory of the current generation (or foreseen withinthe next decade) will be able to yield better information, and considering thedisappearance of PSR B (March 2008) in the radio band, XMM offers the exclusiveopportuinity to monitor this evolving pulsar and its related neutron starsurface thermodynamics.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-10-22T20:36:18Z/2011-10-28T08:16:04Z
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 Alberto Pellizzoni, 2013, 'Long Term X-ray Monitoring of the Double Pulsar PSR J0737-3039', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-b9jpmfe
