X-ray study of isolated neutron stars TS_31

GTWe propose to observe two of the best candidates for isolated neutron stars(INS) discovered to date from ROSAT data. The overall observational pictureis consistent with that expected from INS, either young and cooling or old andaccreting from the interstellar medium. EPIC and RGS spectra have thecapability to reveal spectral features of several ions from which temperatureand abundances of the neutron star atmosphere can be estimated and to putunprecedented constraints on the equation of state of neutron stars. The EPICPNCCD will also allow to carry out a sensitive search for periodicity asfound for RXJ07203125, important to distinguish between the proposed Xraypowering models which have strong implications on the magnetic field strength. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]