XMM-Newton measures speedy spin of rare celestial object   False colour X-ray image of the sky region around SGR 1627-41 obtained with XMM-Newton. The emission indicated in red comes from the debris of an exploded massive star. It covers a region more extended than that previously deduced from radio observations, surrounding the SGR. This suggests that the exploded star was the magnetar’s progenitor.   An artist's impression of XMM-Newton. Release date: 13 January 2009