We propose to utilize the high spectroscopic capabilities of XMM and itsimpressive photon collection power to study the accreting X-ray binarysystem LMC X-4. With its rich variety of phenomena, LMC X-4 offers awealth of information for detailed studies of the accretion process.Phase resolved spectroscopy of emission lines, in particular of the ironline complex, will not only provide information about the ionizationstages, but also on Doppler broadening and Doppler shifts. Such studiesmay be particularly rewarding for LMC X-4, since EXOSAT observationsshowed evidence for relativistic Doppler splitting of the iron emissionline over the 13.5 s pulse period.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-09-09T10:11:34Z/2003-09-10T17:45:47Z
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 Konrad Dennerl, 2004, 'Phase Resolved High Resolution Spectroscopy of LMC X-4', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jo2znw5
