We propose to observe three ultracompact (Porb<80 min) LMXBs in globularclusters, all of which may be members of an emerging class of ultracompactbinaries with exotic neon-rich donors. The location of these sources withinglobular clusters makes them a powerful tool for understanding this class, sincebasic parameters like distance and ISM absorption are well determined. Ourstudy will (1) measure absorption and emission features and by doing soestablish the nature of the donor, and (2) search for X-ray and UV modulationsindicative of ultrashort orbital periods.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-01T00:14:05Z/2003-04-01T06:53:19Z
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 Deepto Chakrabarty, 2004, 'XMM-Newton Survey of Globular Cluster Ultracompact Binaries', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ssoxl6z
