Study of the remarkable X-ray variability of PSR B0943+10

PSR B0943+10 is the best studied modeswitching radio pulsar. Its radio emissionalternates between a highly organised state with regular drifting subpulses (Bmode) and a chaotic emission pattern (Q mode). XMMNewton observations showedremarkable Xray variability correlated with the radio mode: during the fainterradio state the Xray flux is more than twice larger than during the Bmode andXray pulsations are detected. Due to the limited spectral information it is notpossible to discriminate between interpretations with very different physicalimplications for possible global changes in the magnetosphere. We propose alarge program with coordinated radio observations on this unique target to gaininsight into the pulsar emission mechanism expoiting the new diagnostic of Xray variability. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]