We wish to observe the X-ray transient XTE J1650-500 in quiescence for 25 ks.This source likely harbors a black hole, based on spectral and timing proper-ties, but its mass function of 0.64 solar mass is not very constraining. Giventhe orbital period of 5.1 hr we should be able to tell the nature of the compactobject based on its luminosity; we expect 10e31 erg/s for a black hole and10e32-10e33 erg/s for a neutron star. As the source shows similarities to theblack hole transient GX 339-4, which has a high quiescent level, it may also beas bright as 10e33-10e34 erg/s, allowing us to see deviations from a power lawspectrum (as expected from e.g. an ADAF). In any case, our observation will addto the still limited sample of transient systems detected in quiescence.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-03-06T14:59:27Z/2005-03-07T03:42:24Z
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 JEROEN HOMAN, 2006, 'THE SOFT X-RAY TRANSIENT XTE J1650-500 IN QUIESCENCE', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-15gza23
