Isolated neutron stars as seen by Athena
Abstract
The X-ray emission from the surfaces of isolated neutron stars and from the neutron star's immediate surroundings is not well understood. Partly, this is due to a lack of spectral resolution and sensitivity of current X-ray detectors. In our poster, we present simulations of neutron star X-ray emission as Athena may see it. We employ the latest Athena instrument response and up-to-date neutron star atmosphere models. This will allow us to evaluate the impact Athena can have on the investigations of neutron star properties, such as the composition of their surface layers, their magnetic fields, and the physics of their magnetospheres and ambient matter.
- Publication:
-
Exploring the Hot and Energetic Universe: The first scientific conference dedicated to the Athena X-ray observatory
- Pub Date:
- September 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015eheu.conf...61P