We propose XMM-Newton observations of 840 kyr old radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsarJ1957+5033. Its short Chandra observations revealed the presence of a very softX-ray emission in the 0.1--0.3 keV range. This suggests that the pulsar X-rayspectrum can have a soft thermal component from the NS surface with thetemperature of 27--40 eV, as is expected for the NS at the photon cooling stage.PSR J1957+5033 can be the coldest isolated neutron star at the age of 1 Myr,which is important for comparison with cooling scenarios of these stars. Werequest for 80 ks observations to confirm this as it is not possible withChandra due to calibration uncertainties at low energies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-10-05T02:01:03Z/2019-10-06T02:09:23Z
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 Dima Zyuzin, 2020, 'Is PSR J1957+5033 the coldest neutron starquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-id9a6o0
