A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 069007
Title Spectral and temporal variations of the X-ray pulsar RX J0720.4-3125
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https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0690070201

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lt9e5e3
Principal Investigator, PI Dr Markus Hohle
Abstract RX J0720.4-3125 (RX J0720) belongs to a group of seven isolated and radio-quietX-ray pulsars discovered during the ROSAT all sky survey; the so calledMagnificent Seven (M7). Among them, RX J0720 occupies an unique placeinasmuch it exhibits spectral and temporal variations on time scales of yearsthat are not seen for the other M7. These variations could be the result of asudden event (e.g. a glitch), or they are periodic in nature, e.g. caused byfree precession. In either case one expects to see further spectral/temporalevolution. Recent XMM-Newton data (rev. 2076 and 2087) could better fit to aglitch, both from the spectral and the temporal behaviour. However, the variablephase lag between soft (120-400eV) and hard (400-1000eV) X-rays abridge
Publications
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2012-09-18T08:30:42Z/2012-09-18T15:59:19Z
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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2013-10-09T00:00:00Z
Keywords "J0720.4", "rx j0720 occupies", "sudden event", "XMM-Newton", "rx j0720", "variable phase lag", "XMM", "ROSAT", "free precession", "temporal variations", "1000ev xray", "soft 120 400ev", "temporal evolution", "sky survey", "M7", "time scales"
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Markus Hohle, 2013, '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-lt9e5e3