Three years ago, PSR J1023+0038 (J1023) transformed from a rotation-poweredmillisecond pulsar state to an accretion-disk-dominated X-ray pulsar state. Inthis state it shows coherent X-ray pulsations indicating active accretion at lowluminosities. Using these pulsations we have discovered that in the X-ray stateJ1023 is spinning down 27% faster than the radio state (Jaodand et al. 2016).Along with this unique, long-term X-ray timing solution for a transitionalmillisecond pulsar (tMSP) we also find a change in average orbital periodderivative between states. Extending the span of our timing solution to apossible J1023 transition (back to radio) in the coming year(s) is critical tounderstand tMSP transitions and accretion physics.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-05-08T21:33:24Z/2017-06-13T20:19:02Z
Version
19.17_20220121_1250
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, Ms Amruta Jaodand, 2018, 'Continued Timing of PSR J1023+0038: A Unique Testbed for Accretion Physics', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-y3zlu2f
