We propose to conduct a sensitive search for X-ray emission in three of theclosest known carbon-rich (WC) Wolf-Rayet stars. Our primary objective is todetermine if WC stars without companions are X-ray emitters. It is currentlybelieved that Wolf-Rayet stars emit X-rays via shocks in their powerful winds.However, an archive search reveals no convincing WC star detections and the WCstar WR114 was recently undetected in a 16 ksec XMM exposure. The apparentabsence of WC-star X-ray emission is surprising and so far unexplained, butstrong X-ray absorption in their metal-rich winds may play a role. Our targetsare selected on the basis of their proximity and low extinction, thus maximizingthe chance of obtaining the first WC star X-ray detection.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-09-22T07:56:13Z/2004-09-22T15:24:51Z
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 STEPHEN SKINNER, 2005, 'DO CARBON-RICH WOLF-RAYET STARS EMIT X-RAYSquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9pcx1lf
