We have recently discovered a new gamma-ray loud low-mass X-ray binary, 3FGLJ0427.9-6704. The X-ray and radio properties of this source suggest it is atransitional millisecond pulsar in the accreting state. Uniquely among membersof this class, this source shows optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray eclipses,allowing precise constraints not available for non-eclipsing systems, such asmeasurements of the binary component masses. Here we propose XMM X-ray andoptical observations to better understand the variability in the system anddetermine how similar its properties are to the other transitional millisecondpulsars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-05-02T16:14:17Z/2017-05-03T13:45:57Z
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 Jay Strader, 2018, 'Sleuthing A New Eclipsing Accreting Millisecond Pulsar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-thnkbb1
