We propose to observe the colliding wind binary Cyg OB2 #8a (O6If + O5.5III(f))for 3 x 20 ksec near specific orbital phases. Previous XMM-Newton observationsrevealed a modulation of the X-ray flux of this system. At the same time, theradio emission of Cyg OB2 #8a also undergoes a phase-locked variation. The jointanalysis of the variations in the X-ray and radio domains will provideunprecedented information on the interplay between colliding wind interactionsand the acceleration of relativistic particles that produce the non-thermalradio emission. The Cyg OB2 cluster further harbours a number of early-typestars (two of them are non-thermal radio emitters) that are bright X-raysources, as well as a wealth of secondary sources (most of them being low-mass PMS stars).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-04-29T16:23:01Z/2007-05-03T20:37:49Z
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 Gregor Rauw, 2008, 'A follow-up study of the colliding wind binary Cyg OB2 8a', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-byh57pf
