2XMM J104608.7-594306 is a thermally emitting isolated neutron star (INS)sharing many of the properties of the intriguing Magnificent Seven (M7), namelya thermal spectrum with broad absorption lines, no magnetospheric emission andlack of optical and radio counterparts. While the M7 rotate with periods of fewseconds, we found intriguing evidence for a very fast spin of 19 ms. Furtherobservations are extremely important to constrain the INS spin-down and confirmthe presence of spectral absorption lines, thus inferring the INS magnetic fieldand its evolutionary state. This ultimately contributes to the understanding ofthe conditions determining the INS phenomenology and leads to a coherent pictureof how neutron stars evolve and are observed by our facilities.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-12-20T19:39:21Z/2012-12-21T20:01:15Z
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 Adriana Mancini Pires, 2014, 'Establishing missing links: the case of the peculiar INS in the Carina Nebula', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-648z4dm
