The magnetars are neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields.They go through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods ofactivity, via short X-ray bursts, large giant flares and yearly-timescale X-rayoutbursts. Lately several normal pulsars showed magnetar-like emission,prompting important questions on the exact physics and reach of the magnetarphenomenon. We propose a Joint XMM (85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program aimedat gathering new insights on the physics involved in the magnetar outbursts. Wewill trigger this program on any object that will undergo a magnetar-likeoutburst during AO19 (especially non-canonical magnetars).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-09-17T11:31:04Z/2020-10-24T09:32:57Z
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, Dr Nanda Rea, 2021, 'Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-nuu0cd8
