Central compact objects (CCOs) in supernova remnants (SNRs) represent a largefraction of neutron star births, but are difficult to study because of theirweak magnetic fields. We have measured spin-down dipole fields for only threeCCOs, of which two have spectral features that confirm their weak B-fields. Wepropose deep observations of the two remaining, bright CCOs to search for theirexpected pulsations and cyclotron resonance features that could fall in the softX-ray band. This will help establish the birth properties of an important classof NS, probe their magnetic field structure, and address theories of theirevolution in comparison with ordinary pulsars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-08-24T20:48:23Z/2014-02-25T23:00:16Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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, 2015, 'Completing a Study of the Brightest CCOs', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-5ngqnpp
