The axisymmetric structures of most planetary nebulae (PNe) have led many peopleto suggest that stellar magnetic fields shape the winds from asymptotic giantbranch (AGB) star progenitors of PNe. We seek here to determine the X-rayemission properties of AGB stars and, thereby, to understand and setconstraints on magnetic (dynamo) activity in AGB stars. The results will informnew theories on the shaping of the winds from AGB stars and, hence, the shapingof PNe, and furthermore have the potential to establish the presence of stellardynamos and magnetic activity in a new class of object. Only XMM, with itsunsurpassed sensitivity and good spectral resolution, can be used to carry outthis investigation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-02-06T22:58:06Z/2003-09-04T07:57:19Z
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, Prof Joel Kastner, 2004, 'MAGNETIC ACTIVITY IN ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH STARS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-l5s8koj
