We propose to observe three recently discovered eclipsing millisecond pulsars,two redbacks and one black widow, in order to characterize their X-rayemission as a function of orbital phase as a probe of their intrabinary shocks.These may be the best systems to probe the magnetization of pulsar winds as afunction of distance from the magnetosphere, and perhaps give some observationalguidance to magnetic field suppression during accretion. We also wish to obtaingood quality UV light curves to complement ground based optical work of theheated companions and search for potential UV emission from the shock.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-10-28T08:37:03Z/2013-10-29T06:58:43Z
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 Mallory Roberts, 2014, 'Orbitally Resolved Spectral Studies of Three Eclipsing Millisecond Pulsars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2c4ci0b
