Observability of isolated neutron stars at SRG/eROSITA

TL;DR

The paper evaluates eROSITA's capability to detect various types of isolated neutron stars during its four-year sky survey, highlighting its potential to significantly expand the known population of such objects.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of eROSITA's sensitivity and coverage, estimating the number of known and potential new isolated neutron stars detectable.

Findings

eROSITA can detect over 160 pulsars and 21 magnetars.

It can identify all seven Magnificent Seven sources.

The survey will significantly increase known isolated neutron star detections.

Abstract

A four-year sky survey with the use of the eROSITA telescope on board the Spektr-RG observatory will provide the best coverage in the soft (0.5-2 keV) and standard (2-10 keV) X-ray ranges, both in terms of sensitivity and angular resolution. We have analysed the possibility of detecting various types of isolated neutron stars with eROSITA. Among already known objects, eROSITA will be able to detect more than 160 pulsars, 21 magnetars, 7 central compact objects, all seven sources of the Magnificent Seven, and two other X-ray isolated neutron stars during the four-year survey mission.