We propose to perform a 130 ksec pointing on the classical T Tauri star (cTTS)BP Tau with XMM-Newton. The primary goal of the proposed observations is toobtain a high-resolution RGS spectrum of this cTTS.In analogy to the previouslyobtained high resolution spectrum of the cTTS TW Hya we expect to find highdensities (n virgul 10**13 cm**-3) and a depletion of grain forming metals. We wantto establish that the X-ray emission from BP Tau arises from an accretion funnelshock rather than usual magnetic activity. Thus cTTS would be the bigbrothers of magnetic neutron stars. Further we want to determine whether thedepletion of grain forming metals is a common feature in these accretion flowsthat can be ascribed to the presumed formation of planetesimals in the accretion disks.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-08-15T06:13:46Z/2004-08-16T18:50:52Z
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 J RGEN SCHMITT, 2005, 'CLASSICAL T TAURI STARS: THE BIG BROTHERS OF NEUTRON STARS questionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ihx0d7v
