We propose to carry out a survey of AM CVn systems -- close binaries in which awhite dwarf is accreting material from a white dwarf. This will be the mostsensitive X-ray survey of such objects. We will measure their luminosities anddetermine if they correlate with orbital period and X-ray colour. The source ofX-ray emission in these systems is not known. These observations will allow usto make significant progress in answering this question. We will also search foremission lines in the X-ray spectra - this will allow us to constrain thechemical composition of these systems. These observations will provide the firstsimultaneous X-ray and UV data with high time resolution: this is important inrelating the UV and X-ray emission mechanisms.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-12-28T05:26:54Z/2004-01-28T23:28:15Z
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 GAVIN RAMSAY, 2005, 'A SURVEY OF HELIUM ACCRETING WHITE DWARFS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lsly8yg
