We propose the first observation of the bright neutron star GX 301-2 withXMM-Newton. The aim of the proposed 50ksec observation is a study the source.spre-periastron flare. This will allow us to analyze the structure (includingdensity and clumpiness) of the gas stream flowing from Wray 977 to GX 301-2which is intercepted by the neutron star prior to periastron passage giving riseto the pre-periastron flare. As the source is very bright during the flare, wewill use the modified timing mode to obtain spectra with exceptional statisticalquality. These data will then be used to study the evolution of nh and the ironline with very high time resolution.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-08-14T03:01:35Z/2009-07-12T17:21:46Z
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 Ingo Kreykenbohm, 2010, 'Studying the pre-periastron flare of GX 301-2', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-akjb6j4
