We propose a 100ks observation of the original black widow PSR J1959+2048,increasing by >3x the X-ray exposure of its intrabinary shock. Fits to thesedata determine the binary inclination i (used in measurement of the neutron starmass) and the wind momentum flux and sweep-back (used to measure the companionevaporation rate). The X-ray spectra also probe the nature of the IBS particleacceleration, likely due to reconnection in the striped pulsar wind. Thesemeasurements advance our understanding of evolution in such close binaries andcan help constrain the properties of high density matter.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-05-15T04:28:54Z/2020-05-16T10:48:54Z
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 Roger Romani, 2021, 'PSR J1959+2048\: A Black Widow.s IntraBinary Shock', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-7ect356
