We propose to observe the peculiar Of?p star HD191612 for 3*20 ks withXMM-Newton. In the visible domain, this star displays spectacular line profilevariations alternating between two different spectral states (O6-O8) with aperiod of virgul540d. A monitoring of this peculiar object in the X-ray domain willprovide crucial information for constraining its nature. The requested XMM dataare part of a multiwavelength observing campaign that also includes coordinatedobservations in the UV (FUSE) and visible (ground-based telescopes) ranges.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-04-05T13:03:17Z/2005-10-08T08:54:21Z
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 Yael Naze, 2006, 'Towards an understanding of the Ofp phenomenon', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6ctxcce
