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. InAO12, we proposed deep observations of the two remaining bright CCOs to searchfor their expected pulsations, and were given one A and one C target. Here werepropose the second target for AO13, and request a followup observation of thefirst target to confirm a possible period that was found in the AO12observation. This program will establish the birth properties of an importantclass of NS, probe their magnetic field structure, and address pulsar evolution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-03-02T07:25:30Z/2014-03-03T22:32:10Z
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 Jules Halpern, 2015, 'Trying Again to Complete a Study of the Brightest CCOs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2v71po9
