We propose to monitor the M31 core with four 23ks XMM-Newton EPIC and four 20ksChandra HRC-I observations equally distributed over AO5 to determine the dura-tion of the supersoft source (SSS) state of optical novae. Detected sources willbe correlated with optical nova positions from the WeCAPP program covering thesame area. EPIC will determine the SSS nature of sources using hardness ratios,HRC-I will enable continuous monitoring and separate nova candidates from brightX-ray sources. With a nova rate in the field of virgul25/yr and SSS phase sometimeslasting for years we will simultaneously follow many nova light curves. Thedurations of the nova SSS state will allow us to constrain envelope and WDmasses. We will also monitor time variability of virgul200 M31 centre X-ray sources (mostly XRBs).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-07-02T14:13:51Z/2007-02-05T08:02:16Z
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 Wolfgang Pietsch, 2008, 'Monitoring the supersoft source state of many optical novae in the core of M 31', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9av94qr
