Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients are a subclass of supergiant fast X-raytransients and are among the most variable hard X-ray sources in our galaxy.They are believed to host neutron stars with super-strong magnetic fields (i.e.,magnetars ) or supergiant stars with extremely clumpy winds. In order todistinguish between these possibilities, we propose here a continuation of ourfruitful study of SFXT in quiescence by carrying out two 40 ks XMM observationsof XTE J1743-363 and IGR J17407-2808 in quiescence. These are the only two SFXTsnever observed with a high sensitivity X-ray telescope. Studying the spectraland timing properties of the SFXT sources in quiescence proved so far to becrucial in order to test the applicability of current theoretical models proposed to interpret their behavior.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-02-29T18:48:33Z/2012-03-01T06:27:10Z
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 Enrico Bozzo, 2013, 'Unveiling the mystery of supergiant fast x-ray transients with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xr4l34e
