We propose to use one XMM-Newton orbit observing the eclipse egress and earlypost-eclipse phase of the VelavirgulX-1/HDvirgul77581 binary system. We plan to useEPIC-pn CCD spectra and pulse profiles together with RGS results for emissionlines in order to study in unprecedented detail the emerging neutron star.semission and measure the scale height of the supergiant.s extended atmospherewith high accuracy. Small time scale variations in the observed column densitywill track clumps in the lower stellar wind.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-05-25T10:30:29Z/2006-05-26T23:24:51Z
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 Kretschmar, 2009, 'X-ray scanning a supergiant wind-accretor: eclipse egress in Vela X-1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hnev4dv
