Based on observations with the X-ray observatories Chandra and XMM-Newton we
present results from a detailed spectro-imaging and timing analysis of the
central compact X-ray source RX J0822-4300 in the supernova remnant Puppis-A.
The superior angular resolution of Chandra allows for the first time to
pinpoint the point source nature of this object down to 0.59±0.01 arcsec
(FWHM) and to determine its position:{RA=08h21m57.40s,
Dec=−43∘00′16.69′′ (J2000)} with sub-arcsecond accuracy.
Spectral fits based on Chandra and XMM-Newton data provide a tight constraint
on the emission properties of RX J0822-4300. Most of its X-ray emission seems
to be of thermal origin. A model spectrum consisting of two blackbody
components with T1≃2.6×106 K, T2≃5.0×106
K and R1≃3.3 km, R2≃0.75 km for the blackbody temperatures
and the size of the projected emitting regions, respectively, provides the best
model description of its spectrum. A search for X-ray pulsations from RX
J0822-4300, revealed an interesting periodicity candidate which, if confirmed,
does not support a scenario of steady spin-down.Comment: Accepted by A&A, 20 pages, 10 figures, 3 table