With a rotation rate of 707 Hz, PSR J0952\−0607 is the fastest-spinningpulsar known outside a globular cluster. The modes of stellar oscillation knownas r-modes can convert rotational energy of the fast-spinning neutron stars intogravitational waves and internal heating. X-ray studies of the surfacetemperature of fast- spinning pulsars can tightly constrain the physics ofr-modes. The constraint on the X-ray flux from PSR J0952-0607 measured by Swift,along with low intervening NH (4e20 cm^\−2) and small source distance(0.97 1.74 kpc), indicate that an XMM-Newton observation can place a stronglimit on thermal flux from the surface. PSR J0952-0607 is thus an excellenttarget for investigating what limits the spin evolution of millisecond pulsars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2018-05-04T06:00:50Z/2018-05-05T01:47:30Z
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 Wynn Ho, 2019, 'Constraining Potential R-mode Heating with the Second Fastest Pulsar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-tah45m0
