We propose to perform a 130 ksec pointing on the classical T Tauri star XX Chawith XMM-Newton to obtain a high-resolution RGS spectrum. XX Cha would be thethird cTTS observed with high spectral resolution, and - just as in TW Hya andBP Tau - we expect to find very high densities (log n_e < 13 ), and a depletionof grain forming metals. With these data we want to show that the X-ray emissionfrom cTTS arises - predominantly - from an accretion funnel shock and not fromsolar-like magnetic activity. If so, cTTS would be the big brothers to magneticneutron stars. Further we want to study if the depletion of grain forming metalsis a common feature in these accretion flows that can be ascribed presumably tothe formation of planetesimals in the accretion disks around cTTS.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-09-02T03:10:52Z/2005-09-03T15:00:00Z
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, Prof J rgen Schmitt, 2006, 'Accretion Funnels in Classical T Tauri Stars: Xx Chamaeleontis', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dd1cnxn
