GT-Tau Sco is an OB star which shows OVI superionization caused by X-rayionization and the Auger Ionization effect. It has a large Lx/Lbol ratio (ofabout 10E-6) and an unusually hard X-ray spectrum. It has been suggested thatclumps form in the stellar wind, stagnate and fall inward. Because of the highshock velocity that this model predicts, the temperatures in the wind can beunusually hard: high enough that the XMM spectra should show lines of ionizationstages that can place strong constraints on the structure of the X-ray formingregions of the star.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-08-20T00:10:11Z/2001-08-20T09:39:05Z
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, 'GT Observations of Hot Stars: Tau Sco', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0urww68
