| Name | 074480 |
| Title | A phase-variable line in the spectrum of a persistent magnetar? |
| URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0744800101 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fxo1qqt |
| Author | Dr Andrea Tiengo |
| Description | We have recently discovered a phase-variable absorption feature in the X-ray spectrum of the SGR 0418+5729. If interpreted as a proton cyclotron line, its energy implies a magnetic field ranging from 2E14 G to >1E15 G, which is the strongest magnetic field ever measured in any astrophysical object. This is a spectacular confirmation of the magnetar model, according to which AXPs and SGRs are neutron stars powered by their strong magnetic fields. During a systematic search for variable lines in magnetars, we have found a promising candidate in an XMM observation of the AXP 1E2259+586 performed in 2002. Since it is a bright persistent X-ray source and not a transient, like SGR0418+5729, it can be re-observed to study its spectral variability with phase in greater detail and its long-term evolution. |
| Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2014-07-29T21:00:32Z/2014-07-31T04:07:12Z |
| 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 | 2015-08-25T22:00:00Z |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Andrea Tiengo, 2015, 074480, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fxo1qqt |