The bulk of very low mass stars with X-ray detections in quiescence show amarked decline in chromospheric and coronal activity past a spectral type of M7,some objects display these emissions, suggesting a decrease in chromospheric andcoronal heating efficiencies. Previous X-ray investigations have focussed mostlyon detections, revealing evidence for low coronal temperatures. Yet, amongactive and inactive earlier spectral type M dwarfs, X-ray spectra show thepresence of hot coronal plasma, thought to be related to the unknown coronalheating mechanism. We propose an observation with XMM-Newton to investigate thespectral distribution of coronal plasma in the M8 dwarf VB 10 as a way toconstrain the coronal heating processes taking place in very low mass dwarfs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-04-06T12:14:52Z/2008-04-07T06:09:27Z
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 Rachel Osten, 2009, 'Sleuthing X-ray Emission in Very Low Mass Dwarfs: Spectroscopy of VB 10', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xlhmuil
