| Proposal ID | 030183 |
| Title | The Oldest Cataclysmic Variables |
| Download Data Associated to the proposal | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0301830101 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fbbzmcg |
| Principal Investigator, PI | Prof Joseph Patterson |
| Abstract | Angular momentum loss grinds cataclysmic variables down to very short period onrelatively short timescales (1-3 Gyr); then they should bounce at Porb~80 minand begin evolving back to longer period. Since the Galaxy is 10 Gyr old, theseperiod bouncers should now be extremely numerous. Unfortunately, none have yetbeen securely identified. We believe we have finally identified a few of thesestars (5), based on their very low mass ratios. These stars are a newlyrecognized class of CV, and 1-10 keV X-rays appear to be a major part (abouthalf) of their accretion luminosity budget. XMM observations would clarify theorigin of the X-rays and probe physical conditions in the accreting gas, donatedby a star which has been stripped down to 0.02-0.04 solar masses. |
| Publications |
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| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2005-06-16T08:17:45Z/2005-06-18T15:46:22Z |
| 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2006-07-14T00:00:00Z |
| Last Update | 2025-01-27 |
| Keywords | "period bouncers", "relatively short timescales", "short period", "cataclysmic variables", "accretion luminosity budget", "recognized class", "kev xray", "probe physical conditions", "low mass ratios", "XMM", "accreting gas", "04 solar masses" |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Prof Joseph Patterson, 2006, 'The Oldest Cataclysmic Variables', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fbbzmcg |