We propose to observe the old open clusters NGC7142, NGC7789 and NGC3680. Basedon the ROSAT observation of M67, we expect to detect up to 10 X-ray sources ineach cluster. Most of these will be interacting binaries but a hot white dwarfand/or a cataclysmic variable may also be detected. Interacting binaries in oldclusters are excellent test cases for the theory of binary evolution, in particular in relation to circularization and synchronization of the binaryorbit by tidal forces. X-ray observations are an efficient way to identify suchinteracting binaries; furthermore, the detection of X-ray sources in old openclusters is interesting for the comparison with X-ray properties of globularclusters.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-11-21T06:40:28Z/2003-11-21T09:51:34Z
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 Frank Verbunt, 2004, 'Looking for binaries in old open clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-swqdxs4
