GT- We propose an observation of Cen X-3 over an eclipse and a portion of theout-of-eclipse interval. The Cen X-3 system contains diffuse gas in an extendedstellar wind as well as dense gas in a small region near the neutron star. TheX-rays which are reprocessed in the circumstellar gas carry spectral signatureswhich are diagnostic of the density and temperature of that gas. Duringeclipse, the reprocessed radiation from the extended wind can be observedwithout the much more intense direct radiation from the neutron star. While theneutron star is out of eclipse, the X-rays reprocessed in the dense gas near theneutron star can be observed. We propose to use some instruments in timingmode in order to observe the pulsations in the iron fluoresence line.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-01-27T08:11:06Z/2001-01-28T03:45:30Z
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 Albert Brinkman, 2002, 'High Resolution Spectroscopy of Cen X-3 in Eclipse', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3imyhpb
