We propose to observe the ultra-compact gamma-ray millisecond pulsar (MSP)candidate, 2FGL J1653.6-0159 jointly with NuSTAR and XMM. The Fermi source has acandidate X-ray counterpart from Chandra data and its X-ray and gamma-rayproperties are consistent with known gamma-ray pulsars. The source is also foundto have a 75-min orbital period in optical data and possibly in a Chandraobservation. We propose to use NuSTAR and XMM to search for the orbital X-raymodulation. Moreover, the high quality energy spectra will allow us to study thespectral properties and phase resolved spectra to constrain the system geometry.A NuSTAR observation will further constrain the X-ray emission mechanisms andenables a comparison with other well-known systems.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-03-09T20:10:04Z/2017-03-10T10:53:24Z
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, Prof Albert Kong, 2018, 'X-RAY EMISSION OF AN ULTRA-COMPACT GAMMA-RAY MILLISECOND PULSAR BINARY CANDIDATE', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zoo1fa0
