In recent UV and optical studies the interacting binary star, QU Car, has beenshown to be the most luminous nova-like variable star ever observed and may evenbe as luminous as the supersoft X-ray sources. It also displays spectralcharacteristics that would suggest a close similarity to the supersoft sources.We propose to measure the X-ray brightness of QU Car with XMM to establishdecisively whether it is a supersoft X-ray source and, if it is not, tounderstand just how a luminous interacting binary system with such a high rateof mass transfer avoids being a supersoft.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-06-18T10:21:04Z/2004-07-28T18:58:41Z
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 LOUISE HARTLEY, 2009, 'QU CAR: A CANDIDATE GALACTIC SUPERSOFT X-RAY SOURCE.', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-e7iybsx
