The ROSAT all-sky survey detected X-ray emission from single Wolf-Rayet (WR)stars and WR binaries. Because of their weaker emission, no spectra of single WRstars presently exist that are of sufficient quality to test theories of theirX-ray emission. We propose to utilize the large effective area of XMM to obtainthe first high-quality spectrum of a single WR star. Current theories attributethe X-ray emission of single stars to strong shocks that form in their winds asa result of radiative instabilities. If such theories are correct, then the XMMspectra should show only cooler plasma with temperatures below 1 keV. If hotterplasma is detected then radiative shock models will be ruled out.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-22T01:40:28Z/2001-03-22T08:52:10Z
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 Stephen Skinner, 2002, 'X-ray Emission in Wolf-Rayet Stars: XMM Reveals the Shocking Truth', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-at6pogz
