The fading of the extraordianry low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676: Part III
Abstract
We propose to continue monitoring the dipping low-mass X-ray binary EXO 0748-676 as it moves into quiescence. RXTE first reported the detection of EXO 0748-676 at the lowest flux level since the beginning of the RXTE mission in 1996 in pointed observations during August 2008. Swift observations in October 2008 confirmed the likely cessation of accretion activity. The cooling of the neutron star (NS) crust has been subsequently monitored with XMM observations (this proposal, Parts I and II). The last of these observations in June 2010 showed that the crust and core were very close to reach thermal equilibrium. A further observation of EXO 0748-676 will allow us to continue the monitoring of the cooling curve of the NS crust and set up stringent constraints on the mass and radius of the NS.
- Publication:
-
XMM-Newton Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011xmm..prop...13D
- Keywords:
-
- White Dwarf Binaries;
- Neutron Star Binaries;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- ULXs;
- Black Holes;
- EXO 0748-676