Magnetars are highly magnetized young neutron stars that are powered by thedecay of their enormous magnetic fields. Magnetars exhibit dramatic variabilityincluding major outbursts -- a hallmark of their emission. These outbursts allowus to probe the extreme physics at works in the Universe.s largest knownmagnetic fields. Understanding the evolution of these outbursts will placestringent constraints on physical models of magnetars, including their crusts,atmospheres, coronae, and magnetospheres. In this proposal, we request XMM EPICTarget-of- Opportunity observations of a major magnetar outburst in AO-13 inorder to constrain the detailed physics of magnetars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-08-06T12:35:48Z/2016-08-30T12:23:14Z
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 Victoria Kaspi, 2018, 'Target-of-Oppurtunity Observations of Magnetars in Outburst', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8ltf9i1
