1E 161348-5055 is a point-like, radio-quiet X-ray source at the center of the2000-years-old supernova remnant RCW103. Recent observations unveiled a uniquephenomenology: (i) the source has a dramatic (factor 100) long-term fluxvariability with outbursts possibly recurrent on the few year time scale; (ii)its emission is strongly modulated with a puzzling 6.67 hour periodicity; (iii)no counterpart in the optical/infrared has been found yet. In view of the sourcevariability, XRT onboard Swift is currently performing a monthly monitoringcampaign. Here we ask for a new 75 ks XMM triggered observation to be performedif a new outburst will be detected. Studying the 6.67 hours periodicity in thehigh state regime will shed light on the nature of this puzzling source.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-08-19T17:10:59Z/2016-08-20T16:05:59Z
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 Andrea De Luca, 2017, 'The temporal evolution of the puzzling central source in RCW103', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3pgmaur
