Follow-up of isolated neutron star candidates from the eROSITA survey

Peculiar groups of X-ray emitting isolated neutron stars (INSs), which include magnetars, the "Magnificent Seven", and central compact objects in supernova remnants, escape detection in standard pulsar surveys. Yet, they constitute a key element in understanding extreme phenomena unobserved in the normal pulsar population. So far, their use in population studies in the galactic scale has been hindered by their scarcity. The forthcoming eROSITA mission, which will survey the X-ray sky at unprecedented sensitivity, spectral and angular resolution, is therefore timely for a better sampling of INSs that are silent in the radio and gamma-ray regimes. Based on Monte Carlo simulations of a population synthesis model, we discuss strategies for pinpointing the most promising candidates for follow-up observing campaigns, in particular with XMM-Newton and Chandra, already for the years following the eROSITA survey.