Name | 040237 |
Title | X-ray observations of the first known eclipsing ultra-compact binary system |
URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0402370101 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fhv1hi2 |
Author | Dr Gavin Ramsay |
Description | Ultra-compact systems are a group of stars in which a white dwarf accretes from a hydrogen deficient companion in a very short period binary (5-65 mins). They allow us to observe accretion flows of almost pure helium. The evolution of these systems is thought to be driven by gravitational radiation. Detailed predictions depend crucially upon parameters such as the component masses and mass transfer rate. With the recent discovery of the first eclipsing AM CVn we now have the opportunity to determine all the key parameters of one system. This proposal aims to measure its overall spectral energy distribution, which is important for determining its overall luminosity and mass transfer rate; to locate the sites of the X-ray and UV emission and map the extent of the accretion disc using eclipse mapping. |
Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
Temporal Coverage | 2006-11-23T10:52:24Z/2006-11-23T20:51:02Z |
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 | 2008-01-04T00:00:00Z |
Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Gavin Ramsay, 2008, 040237, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fhv1hi2 |