A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Name 014543
Title Companion star reflection during the low-state of Hercules X-1
URL

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0145430301
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0145430401
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0145430501

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cx9u4u9
Author Dr Martin Still
Description Compton reflection is an important contributor to the energy budgets of AGN and
black hole binaries. However characterizing and quantifying reflection is
difficult because it is dominated by the central source of X-rays. RXTE
observations of the X-ray binary Her X-1 have revealed a light curve consistent
with reflection from the inner facing hemisphere of the companion star during
the source.s X-ray low-state (the result of obscuration by an edge-on accretion
disk). We request an XMM-Newton observation to confirm this reflection using
spectral diagnostics. Stellar masses, binary size, geometry, temperarture,
density, composition and the central irradiating spectrum are well-known. This
makes Her X-1 a potential calibrator of reflection physics.
Publication No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2004-02-09T02:12:20Z/2004-02-23T05:14:35Z
Version 17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations.
Since Earth's atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2005-04-25T00:00:00Z
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Martin Still, 2005, 014543, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cx9u4u9