The large number of radio-quiet thermally emitting isolated neutron stars (INSs)in our local volume suggests that they belong to a formerly neglected componentof the overall population. At fainter fluxes, source confusion and contaminationfrom other classes of X-ray emitters hamper the identification of new membersdue to the large positional and spectral errors. In preparation for the fullsensitivity of the eROSITA All-Sky Survey, the use of serendipitous data fromXMM-Newton proves an excellent opportunity to test search algorithms anddiscover new INSs. We propose to investigate newly selected candidates from the4XMM-DR9 catalogue with the immediate goals to improve spectral determinationand source localisation for future follow-up studies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-05-15T23:30:05Z/2023-01-24T16:02:11Z
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 Adriana Mancini Pires, 2024, 'Serendipitous isolated neutron star candidates from the 4XMM-DR9 catalogue', 20.09_20221024_1724, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-j0qzhzf
