Prompt study of magnetar outbursts with XMM-Newton

Magnetars (AXPs and SGRs) go through long stretches of quiescence, interruptedby periods of activity, characterized by bursts and significant variability influx, spectral shape, pulse shape, and pulsed fraction; they also exhibitglitches. Observations performed during, or immediately after such periods ofhigh activity yield the largest amount of information, allowing to test thetheoretical models on a variety of phenomena and source states. We propose arapid ToO program aimed at gathering new physical insight on these sources,through the study of the very initial phases (within 10 days) of the outburstsof known or newly discovered magnetars. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]