Radio jets have been recently discovered from the massive X-ray binary LS 5039/RX J1826.2-1450 qualifying the source as one of the nearest micro-quasar. Astrong unresolved iron emission line is seen in the RXTE PCA observations. OurAO2 observation found the source in a faint state with no iron line visible. Wepropose to try to catch the source in a bright state by triggering observationswhen the mass loss rate of the primary and consequently X-ray luminosityincreases. This can be done by monitoring the equivalent width of the H alphaline. The intensity and width of the Fe K alpha line components and the possiblepresence of edges will bring information on the physical conditions in thesource.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-09-22T17:09:07Z/2005-09-24T21:35:43Z
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, 2006, 'THE EMISSION LINE SPECTRUM OF THE MICRO-QUASAR LS 5039', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6bk120d
