Among the unassociated sources detected by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope,we find one 2.5-hr binary from our multi-wavelength studies. The source, with anX-ray counterpart, has an optical spectrum typical of accretion disks in X-raybinaries, and thus is likely a transitional millisecond pulsar (MSP) system inthe disk state. Such systems can switch between the states of being a pure MSPand having an accretion disk around the MSP. Here we request an 11-ksobservation of the source for further studies. A spectrum of the source will beobtained to check whether its X-ray emission is consistent with those of redbacktype of MSPs. We will also search for fast and large-amplitude flux variations,which is a distinguishing feature of the transitional systems in the disk state.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-11-12T13:12:40Z/2020-11-12T17:06:00Z
Version
18.02_20200221_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 Zhongxiang Wang, 2021, 'X-ray study of a candidate transitional millisecond pulsar binary', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-ucx30bd
