We propose to search for Be + white dwarf binaries in a sample of Be-rich youngopen clusters totaling over 100 Be stars. XMM has the capability to efficientlydetect white dwarfs accreting from the circumstellar envelopes of Be stars. Sofar no such system has been confirmed and as long as none is found the models onwhich our understanding of massive X-ray binary evolution are based remainsuspect. Making the census of Be + white dwarfs binaries allows to selectbetween the different models put forward to explain the Be phenomenon. Thisprogramme is supported by an ongoing optical spectroscopic survey of theseclusters conducted by our group.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-01-13T04:03:25Z/2004-02-05T02:30:25Z
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 CHRISTIAN MOTCH, 2005, 'A SEARCH FOR BE + WHITE DWARF BINARIES IN BE-RICH CLUSTERS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hcjxwrg
