AXPs and SGRs are believed to be magnetars, ultra-magnetised neutron starspowered by huge magnetic fields. They are characterized by bursts, glitches,signicant variability in flux, spectral shape, pulse shape, pulsed fraction.They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods ofactivity. Observations performed during, or immediately after such periods yieldthe largest amount of information on magnetars. emission, allowing to test thetheoretical models on a variety of phenomena and source states. We propose arapid ToO program aimed at gathering new physical insight on these sources,through the study of the very initial phases (within 10 days) of the outburstsof known or newly discovered magnetars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-09-23T04:04:47Z/2012-09-08T23:31:02Z
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 Nanda Rea, 2013, 'Prompt study of magnetar outbursts with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8tu0al4
