We propose to observe the X-ray halo and spectrum of the high mass X-ray binary X Per. The X-ray halo is formed by scattering from dust grains along the line of sight (LOS), which appears to intersect only 1-2 molecular clouds.These clouds likely contain nearly all the material in the LOS. Unlikemany other X-ray halo observations, the low-absorption high-latitude sightlineis well-characterized from absorption spectroscopy done with HST and FUSE. This halo measurement will allow us to place tight constraints on the clouds.positions and the dust size distribution in the clouds. In addition, the X-ray spectrum of X Per is quite unusual for a HMXB, and the RGS spectrum willmeasure or put limits on emission lines suggested by the Chandra/LETG data.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-02-25T15:44:46Z/2003-02-26T01:52:56Z
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 Randall Smith, 2004, 'X Persei: The X-ray Halo and Spectrum of a High-Latitude X-ray Binary', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-g702u98
