gamma Cas is a well-known Be star with unique X-ray properties. A previouslyobtained Chandra HETGS spectrum exhibits lines from a broad range oftemperatures, suggesting the emission is composed of multiple components andpossible signatures of the influence of the surrounding Be disk. An issue ofcompelling interest is whether the X-rays are emitted from near this Be star orelsewhere (e.g. from an accreting degenerate secondary). We propose to exploitthe high effective areas of the EPIC and RGS spectromenters on board XMM toobtain additional information concerning the properties of X-ray emittingplasmas and the circumsource absorbing materials of gamma Cas.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-02-05T17:13:22Z/2004-02-06T12:57:19Z
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 MING GU, 2005, 'PROBING THE X-RAY EMITTING GAS AND CIRCUMSOURCE ABSORBING MATERIALS OF GAMMA CAS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-sghm3vb
