Ultra-compact systems are a group of stars in which a white dwarf accretes froma hydrogen deficient companion in a very short period binary (5-65 mins). Theyallow us to observe accretion flows of almost pure helium. The evolution ofthese systems is thought to be driven by gravitational radiation. Detailedpredictions depend crucially upon parameters such as the component masses andmass transfer rate. With the recent discovery of the first eclipsing AM CVn wenow have the opportunity to determine all the key parameters of one system. Thisproposal aims to measure its overall spectral energy distribution, which isimportant for determining its overall luminosity and mass transfer rate; tolocate the sites of the X-ray and UV emission and map the extent of the accretion disc using eclipse mapping.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-11-23T10:52:24Z/2006-11-23T20:51:02Z
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, 2008, 'X-ray observations of the first known eclipsing ultra-compact binary system', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fhv1hi2
