HU Aqr is a unique, bright eclipsing polar (AM Herculis binary) providingincredible diagnostic power at X-ray and optical wavelengths. This includeseclipses by the mass-donating companion star, pre-eclipse dips caused byabsorption in the accretion stream, and selfeclipses of the accretion spot bythe white dwarf. Previous ROSAT/EUVE/optical observations resolved (marginally)the accretion spot, revealed a strongly evolving light curve and displayed alarge scatter in eclipse timings. With XMM-Newton we will monitor the spectralevolution of the source, study the interaction of the accretion stream with themagnetosphere and measure the location and size of the accretion spot in softand hard X-rays as a function of mass transfer rate with unprecedented accuracy.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-05-20T10:11:51Z/2003-10-25T02:55:36Z
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 Axel Schwope, 2004, 'HU Aqr: A magnetic accretion key study', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-uhr79nq