We propose XMM-Newton observations of the two most promising candidates fordetecting the young and energetic rotation powered pulsars in the SMC, expectedfrom its recent star formation history. Until now, only binary accretion poweredpulsars and a few slower and older RPPs are known. Our prime candidate is IKT16: the only confirmed PWN in the SMC with a non thermal compact source at thecentre. The other, AX J0043-737 was indicated to show pulsations at 87 ms from aprevious ASCA observation, but the detection was only marginal. Detectingpulsars and further characterizing their periodicity and spin down power wouldopen a new window in the study of RPPs in the SMC and in the population study ofthis gas-rich system.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-10-16T14:37:32Z/2015-10-17T04:19:12Z
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 Chandreyee Maitra, 2016, 'A quest for the missing young and energetic pulsars in the SMC', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jbmi5st
