We have recently discovered a phase-variable absorption feature in the X-rayspectrum of the SGR 0418+5729. If interpreted as a proton cyclotron line, itsenergy implies a magnetic field ranging from 2E14 G to >1E15 G, which is thestrongest magnetic field ever measured in any astrophysical object. This is aspectacular confirmation of the magnetar model, according to which AXPs and SGRsare neutron stars powered by their strong magnetic fields. During a systematicsearch for variable lines in magnetars, we have found a promising candidate inan XMM observation of the AXP 1E2259+586 performed in 2002. Since it is a brightpersistent X-ray source and not a transient, like SGR0418+5729, it can bere-observed to study its spectral variability with phase in greater detail and its long-term evolution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-07-29T21:00:32Z/2014-07-31T04:07:12Z
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 Tiengo, 2015, 'A phase-variable line in the spectrum of a persistent magnetarquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fxo1qqt
