| Proposal ID | 014320 |
| Title | A Search for X-ray Emission in Carbon-rich Wolf-Rayet Stars |
| Download Data Associated to the proposal | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0143200101 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-e6k74nx |
| Principal Investigator, PI | Dr Stephen Skinner |
| Abstract | We propose to use the excellent sensitivity of XMM-Newton to conduct a searchfor X-ray emission in five of the closest known carbon-rich (WC) Wolf-Rayetstars. Our primary objective is to determine if single WC stars withoutcompanions are X-ray sources. X-ray emission is expected to originate in theirpowerful shocked winds, and a few weak X-ray detections have been reported. But,our review of the archive data indicates that these detections are in doubt andthe X-ray properties of WC stars as a class remain essentially unknown. EPICwill reach detection limits an order of magnitude below previous values and willprovide the information on X-ray emission levels in WC stars that is needed toplan a broader survey of this understudied class of luminous evolved objects. |
| Publications |
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| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2003-09-04T13:50:59Z/2003-09-13T17:54:50Z |
| 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2004-10-09T00:00:00Z |
| Last Update | 2025-01-27 |
| Keywords | "detection limits", "EPIC", "wc stars", "powerful shocked winds", "xray emission levels", "broader survey", "understudied class", "xmm newton", "weak xray detections", "primary objective", "XMM-Newton", "xray properties", "archive data", "xray emission", "luminous evolved objects", "xray sources", "XMM", "single wc stars" |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Stephen Skinner, 2004, 'A Search for X-ray Emission in Carbon-rich Wolf-Rayet Stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-e6k74nx |