HESS J1626-490 is an original TeV survey source still not classified oridentified with a counterpart at any other wavelength. Although such sources aresometimes referred to as dark accelerators, previously unknown pulsars havebeen found to power many TeV sources. In these cases, the TeV nebulae are oftenmore luminous and extended than their X-ray counterparts. In an X-ray image ofHESS J1626-490 we have identified a possible offset pulsar/PWN that we proposeto search for pulsations using XMM-Newton in small-window mode. This will eitherconfirm the ability of inconspicuous, middle-aged pulsars to power TeV nebulae,or will more rigorously test the dark accelerator hypothesis.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-08-14T20:16:47Z/2014-08-15T06:41:47Z
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 Eric Gotthelf, 2015, 'HESS J1626-490: Dark Accelerator or Pulsar Wind NebulaquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-5alb5od
