A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Name 055520
Title Studying the pre-periastron flare of GX 301-2
URL

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0555200301
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0555200401

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-akjb6j4
Author Dr Ingo Kreykenbohm
Description We propose the first observation of the bright neutron star GX 301-2 with
XMM-Newton. The aim of the proposed 50ksec observation is a study the source.s
pre-periastron flare. This will allow us to analyze the structure (including
density and clumpiness) of the gas stream flowing from Wray 977 to GX 301-2
which is intercepted by the neutron star prior to periastron passage giving rise
to the pre-periastron flare. As the source is very bright during the flare, we
will use the modified timing mode to obtain spectra with exceptional statistical
quality. These data will then be used to study the evolution of nh and the iron
line with very high time resolution.
Publication No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2008-08-14T03:01:35Z/2009-07-12T17:21:46Z
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 2010-07-21T00:00:00Z
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Ingo Kreykenbohm, 2010, 055520, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-akjb6j4