GT-Gamma Vel is an early-type binary consisting of an O9 supergiant and aWolf-Rayet star. Both stars have a powerful wind and the resulting collisionzone is a strong X-ray source. We plan to explore the physical conditions andelemental abundances as well as the dynamics in this interaction region.Comparison with state-of-the art hydrodynamical models will provide a stringentcheck on the model input physics. Observations at maximum and minimum phase willreveal varying absorption columns and hence constraints on the mass loss rateand abundance patterns in the WR wind. Two phase-critical observations will beperformed: i) 30 ks during the X-ray maximum, ii) 65 ks during the low state.The pn will be used in full window/thick filter mode, and both MOS in window2/thick filter mode.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-11-08T19:50:58Z/2001-05-05T02:09:19Z
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, 2003, 'GT Observations of Hot Stars: Gamma2 Vel', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-sl50iv9
