We propose two 32 ks ToO observations of newly identified, faint neutron starlow-mass X-ray binaries. The pn camera, in timing mode, can identify pulsationsfrom new accreting millisecond pulsars, measuring their spin and orbital period,along with studying any X-ray bursts. pn spectroscopy will study the continuumcomponents and broad lines, while RGS spectroscopy can search for narrowabsorption lines.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-03-28T18:44:09Z/2016-02-26T16:00:13Z
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, Prof Craig Heinke, 2017, 'Neutron Star Transient LMXBs; Catching Accreting Millisecond X-ray Pulsars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-x1erhfl
