We propose to continue monitoring the dipping low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676as it moves into quiescence. RXTE first reported the detection of EXO 0748-676at the lowest flux level since the beginning of the RXTE mission in 1996 inpointed observations during August 2008. Swift observations in October 2008confirmed the likely cessation of accretion activity. The cooling of the neutronstar (NS) crust has been subsequently monitored with XMM observations (thisproposal, Parts I and II). The last of these observations in June 2010 showedthat the crust and core were very close to reach thermal equilibrium. A furtherobservation of EXO 0748-676 will allow us to continue the monitoring of thecooling curve of the NS crust and set up stringent constraints on the mass and radius of the NS.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-04-15T05:43:38Z/2013-04-16T10:43:52Z
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 Maria Diaz Trigo, 2014, 'The fading of the extraordianry low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676: Part III', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6de3cr0
