The nearby, middle-aged neutron star PSR B1055-52, one of the so-called ThreeMusketeers, has been observed once by XMM-Newton in 2000 resulting in a detailedphase-resolved spectral analysis. Chandra observations in 2012 show spectralchanges and an apparent >30% flux decrease with respect to the 2000 XMM-Newtonobservation. These changes are too large to be due to cross-calibrationproblems. We propose new XMM-Newton observations to probe the apparent spectralchanges. Using a better suited instrument mode than the 2000 observations, wewill also be able to measure more accurately the magnetospheric spectralcomponent and relate it to the radio and gamma-ray pulse profiles. Furthermore,we will search for phase-dependent absorption features in the new epoch data.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-06-20T18:04:37Z/2019-07-09T22:30:16Z
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 Bettina Posselt, 2020, 'A new adventure of the musketeer PSR B1055-52', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-f16dx95
