We propose a 70 ks XMM-Newton observation of the low-mass X-ray binary 1RXSJ180408.9-342058 in quiescence. Continuing our study of how the crust of thisneutron star cools after it was heated during a bright accretion outburst in2015, yields very valuable information about its structure and various processesoccurring in a high density environment. In particular, with an outburstduration of virgul0.5 yr this source falls right in between two regimes that we haveprobed in crust cooling studies so far, offering an exciting opportunity tofurther our knowledge about heating and cooling of transiently accreting neutronstars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-09-26T15:53:51Z/2016-09-27T13:33:51Z
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 Nathalie Degenaar, 2017, 'The cooling crust of the neutron star in 1RXS J180408.9-342058', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-izls5sw
