Magnetars are neutron stars mainly powered by their huge magnetic fields. Theygo through long stretches of quiescence, interrupted by periods of activity, viashort X-ray bursts, large giant flares and yearly-timescale X-ray outbursts.Lately several normal pulsars showed magnetar-like emission, and an FRB-likeevent was observed during a short X-ray burst, prompting important questions onthe exact physics and reach of the magnetar phenomenon. We propose a Joint XMM(85ks) and NuSTAR (170ks) ToO program aimed at gathering new insights on thephysics involved in the magnetar outbursts. We will trigger this program on anyobject that will undergo a magnetar-like outburst during AO20 (especiallynon-canonical magnetars or FRB-like emitters).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-10-22T02:56:27Z/2022-10-22T22:18:07Z
Version
20.09_20221024_1724
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, 2023, 'Prompt XMM-Newton and NuSTAR study of magnetar outbursts', 20.09_20221024_1724, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-ndanenm
