We propose to make a definite measurement of the spin-down rate of the uniqueCCO pulsar 1E 1207.4-5209 by obtaining a phase-coherent timing solution, whichis the only feasible way of measuring the P-dot of such a weakly magnetized NS.1E 1207.4-5209 is the best isolated pulsar for which a direct comparison can bemade of its global dipole magnetic field via spin-down, with the local B-fieldon the surface, as indicated by its cyclotron absorption spectrum. Existing datasuggest that these independent measures agree to within a factor of 4, with theabsence of a definite P-dot the limiting uncertainty. We can eliminate the erroron P-dot and determine if the B-field measurements are identical for allpractical purposes in 1E 1207.4-5209, the prototypical anti-magnetar.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-06-22T12:46:50Z/2012-08-11T17:23:49Z
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 Jules Halpern, 2013, 'Measuring the Spin-Down and Dipole Magnetic Field of the CCO Pulsar 1E 1207.4-52', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ktmtckw
