Long-term evolution of the fastest accreting millisecond pulsar IGR J00291+5934
Abstract
We propose a 70 ks XMM-Newton observation of the fastest accreting millisecond pulsar discovered so far, IGR J00291+5934, to be triggered during its next outburst. A measure of its spin and orbital parameters will put firm constraints on its long-term evolution and on the mechanisms (magneto-dipole emission, gravitational radiation) proposed to explain it. The reason underlying the lack of neutron stars spinning at frequencies close the centrifugal break-up frequency (~1 kHz) will be then investigated on an observational basis. The observation will also unveil the nature of broad features at energies between 6.4 and 7.1 keV, possibly originating from the accretion disc, the presence of which was claimed thanks to observations performed by other instruments.
- Publication:
-
XMM-Newton Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011xmm..prop..189P
- Keywords:
-
- White Dwarf Binaries;
- Neutron Star Binaries;
- Cataclysmic Variables;
- ULXs;
- Black Holes;
- IGR J00291+5934