We have applied the proven optical technique of eclipse mapping to X-rayobservations of disc-accreting white dwarfs, allowing us to map the extent anddistribution of X-ray emitting plasma around the compact object. Observations offour different systems have allowed us to build a consistent picture of theaccretion geometry that depends only on accretion rate. At low rates the X-rayregion is smaller than the white dwarf, but at high rates it is much larger.Here we propose an observation of ONE of our well-studied low accretion ratesystems, to be triggered when it enters a high accretion rate state. This willallow us to test our basic picture in a system that differs only in accretionrate and investigate the origin of the second source of X-rays.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-09-30T01:22:41Z/2005-10-01T02:05:14Z
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 Peter Wheatley, 2006, 'X-ray eclipse mapping of disc-accreting white dwarfs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-vxa0qm0
