The T Tau system is believed to be in a critical transition regime from embeddedprotostars to optically revealed T Tau stars. As part of a detailedinvestigation of this system, we propose to obtain the first X-ray gratingspectra and very deep CCD spectra in conjunction with time-resolved UVphotometry. T Tau provides a unique opportunity to record a grating spectrum ofsuch a transition object. Our principal scientific objectives are (i) a searchfor fluorescent lines; (ii) line diagnostics with the RGS; (iii) flare physics,and (iv) ultraviolet variability, possibly induced by accretion flows or,alternatively, by high-energy particles.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-08-15T13:51:30Z/2005-08-16T13:00:07Z
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 Manuel Guedel, 2006, 'A Deep Spectral Observation of T Tauri', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9nkt4tj
