We propose to obtain X-ray/UV observations of the 10.3 minute accreting binarysystem ES Cet. It is the brightest out of three recently identifiedultra-compact accreting binaries with orbital periods of 5-10 minutes. Thesesystems provide crucial insights into the physics of compact white dwarfbinaries that are the dominant gravitational wave sources in our galaxy, and theprogenitor population of Type Ia supernovae. The XMM-Newton lightcurves andspectra will be correlated with the strong optical variability, and compared tothe two other ultra-compacts and longer period AM CVn binaries. These X-raymeasurements will be crucial for establishing the nature of this enigmaticsystem, in particular the various accretion geometries that have been proposed.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-01-19T21:22:38Z/2004-07-30T19:57:07Z
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 DANNY STEEGHS, 2005, 'THE NATURE OF THE ENIGMATIC 10 MINUTE ACCRETING BINARY SYSTEM ES CET', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gb6197m
