088269

We propose XMM-Newton observation of the recently discovered old pulsar J0533-4524. The low absorption will allow us to accurately measure the soft X-ray spectrum and detect emission from the hot polar cap. If the polar cap emission turns out to be bright this pulsar will be an important target for future X-ray studies probing the properties of NS interior atmosphere and magnetosphere. Although old pulsars are poorly studied outside the radio band because of their faintness at an age of 1-100 Myrs they are expected to emit thermal radiation dominating in soft X-rays and far-UV and magnetospheric radiation dominating at other wavelengths. The proposed observations will allow us to study both components and probe the properties of the neutron star magnetosphere surface and interior. [truncated! Please see actual data for full text]