We propose to gather XMM observations of two selected early-type colliding winds binaries (Plaskett.s Star & HD159176). The resultant exposures will provide high quality EPIC and RGS spectra which will be used to constrain the mass loss rates of the stars, to investigate the effects of various hydrodynamical processes and to study the chemical abundances of the stellar winds. Furthermore, the EPIC observations will enable us, for the first time, to seek for the predicted dynamical instabilities of the wind interaction region which should lead to strong variability of the X-ray flux on time scalesof 30 minutes. Our results should improve our understanding of the mass loss mechanism of massive stars and ultimately help to understand their
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-09T09:41:25Z/2003-03-16T22:06:14Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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 Gregor Rauw, 2005, 'XMM observations of Plaskett.s Star and HD159176', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-h48cyzk
