We propose using RGS spectra of epsilon CMa (B2 II) to address several outstand-ing questions about the X-ray production mechanism in hot-star winds. These include: (1) Can self-excited instabilities produce shock emission consistent with observations or are clump-clump collisions required (2) What are the temp-erature and density distributions in the shocked plasma, and what type of wind dynamics are required to produce these distributions (3) What is the spatial distribution of the shocked plasma, and what is the impact of the X-rays on the ambient wind And (4) how variable are the properties of the individual spectral features and the physical properties which they diagnose. Epsilon CMa has a normal wind, and is the only hot star for which EUVE SW spectra exist.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-19T09:38:22Z/2001-03-20T01:10:35Z
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 David Cohen, 2002, 'Spectral Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in the Stellar Wind of epsilon CMa', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1o6i8l9
