Fermi-LAT unveiled a 16.6 day modulation in flux and spectral shape in thebright gamma-ray source 1FGL J1018.6-5856. Using Swift/XRT, we singled out theX-ray counterpart as a bright source, displaying a large flux and spectralmodulation along the 16.6 day cycle, remarkably stable from one cycle toanother, featuring a peculiar flare-like peak in phase with the gamma-raymaximum. With an O6V optical counterpart, 1FGL J1018.6-5856 is a new member ofthe class of gamma-ray binaries, possibly similar (but with surprisingdifferences!) to LS 5039. We propose a deep XMM-Newton observation devoted tostudy the sharp flare-like peak. Detailed (time-resolved) spectroscopy and asensitive search for pulsations will shed light on the physics of such a powerful, enigmatic particle accelerator.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-01-09T12:08:33Z/2013-01-10T19:34:50Z
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 Andrea De Luca, 2014, 'The new gamma-ray binary system 1FGL J1018.6-5856', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ugavlc7
