We propose to observe UW CrB (MS1603+26), a 111 min period high galacticlatitude interacting binary. This high inclination system provides us with aunique astrophysical laboratory to study the structure and evolution of theprecessing warped discs, important in many areas of astrophysics. With its shortorbital period and rapid variability in the accretion disc structure (asdemonstrated by the rapidly changing optical light curve shapes), UW CrB isprobably the best test case for the theories of accretion disc eccentricity,warping and precession. Furthermore, as a probable halo object, the system willalso serve as a valuable comparison case for the LMXB evolutionary scenarios.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-01-20T01:25:14Z/2003-01-22T08:46:04Z
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 Pasi Hakala, 2004, 'LMXB.s in the Galactic Halo: The Nature of UW CrB', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3j2e1wn
