We propose to observe the nearby inactive stars Alpha Cen and Procyonregularly with XMM. Both sources are visible to XMM in 6 month intervals.Both stars are very close and hence the allow the detection of weak fluxeseven at higher energies. Specifically solar-like X-ray flux variationsin the 1 - 8 Angstrom band pass (as measured by GOES) will be detectablewith XMM EPIC. Also, for each observation a good XMM RGS spectrum will beobtained so that spectral changes over a time scale of years can bedetected and analysed.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-01-25T14:16:08Z/2004-07-29T05:59:20Z
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, Prof Jurgen Schmitt, 2005, 'A search for cyclic activity in the nearby stars Alpha Cen and Procyon', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-12cvs16
