| Name | 040014 |
| Title | Monitoring the spectral variability of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4-3125 |
| URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0400140301 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rer9ufx |
| Author | European Space Agency |
| Description | RX J0720.4-3125 belongs to a small group radio-quiet isolated neutron stars, whose X-ray spectra consist of a broad absorption feature superimposed on a blackbody continuum. However, it is unique in that it is the only source in which time evolution of the absorption feature and thermal component has been observed. The origin of the changes is still unclear, but their study is of great potential importance for revealing physical properties of isolated neutron stars. The spectral evolution may be caused by changes in the star.s viewing angle, thermal and/or magnetic field distribution. To distinguish between these possibilities, we propose to continue monitoring RX J0720.4-3125. This will also help to further constrain the timing properties of this intriguing source. |
| Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2006-05-22T04:44:47Z/2006-11-05T17:24:41Z |
| Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
| Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2007-12-05T00:00:00Z |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, 2007, Monitoring The Spectral Variability Of The Isolated Neutron Star Rx J0720.4-3125, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rer9ufx |