We propose a 30 ks XMM observation of the X-ray transient XTE J0421+56 (CI Cam) in quiescence. During part of a 10 day outburst in 1998 April, this source exhibited a relativistic radio jet and moving X-ray emission lines. Green Bank monitoring indicates that CI Cam continuesto be a radio source. XTE J0421+566 was clearly detected in quiescence by BeppoSAX in a 45 ks observation, some 150 days after the outburst. Thecount rate was too low to obtain a useful spectrum. The proposed XMM observation will provide this, and allow a sensitive search for the intense oxygen feature seen during the latter part of the outburst by BeppoSAX.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-08-19T07:05:23Z/2001-08-19T16:13:56Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs 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 Earths 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.
European Space Agency, Dr Arvind Parmar, 2002, 'The X-ray Nova CI CAM openParXTE J0421+560closePar in Quiescence', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7fggaw4
