We have an on-going project to survey the ultra-compact AM CVn systems usingXMM-Newton. These accreting binaries have periods less than virgul70 min and arehydrogen deficient. They are important astrophysically because they are expectedto be strong sources of gravitational radiation in the peak sensitivity band ofLISA. XMM-Newton has so far observed 7 of the 13 AM CVn systems, but this isbiased towards shorter period systems. We propose to observe another 4 systemsto give us a comprehensive sample of these objects. In particular, we willdetermine the element abundance from their X-ray spectra and characterise theX-ray and UV variability as a function of orbital period. This is essential forour understanding of their evolutionaryhistory and their energy balance.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-07-20T13:35:39Z/2006-01-08T02:43:31Z
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 Gavin Ramsay, 2007, 'Extending the XMM-Newton survey of AM CVn systems to longer periods', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3bl8p45
