Long-term variability in the X-ray emission of RX J0720.4-3125

Abstract

We detect a gradual, long-term change in the shape of the X-ray spectrum of the isolated neutron star RX J0720.4-3125, such that the spectrum of the source can no longer be described as a blackbody spectrum. The change is accompanied by an energy-dependent change in the pulse profile. If the X-ray emission is influenced by the magnetic field of the pulsar, these changes in spectral shape may point to precession of the neutron star.

arXiv commentAccepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters

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