HD49798-RXJ0648 is a unique spectroscopic binary containing a 13 s X-raypulsating star accreting from an early type sub-dwarf. Although predicted byevolutionary models of common envelope spiral-in, no other system of this kindis currently known. The next important step, objective of this proposal, is todetermine if the compact star is a neutron star or, as it seems more likely, awhite dwarf. In the latter case the 13 s spin period would be the shortest knownfor a white dwarf, implying a large accreted mass and making this system thewhite dwarf analogous of LMXRBs containing millisecond pulsars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-05-10T21:07:29Z/2008-05-11T09:19:27Z
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 Andrea Tiengo, 2009, 'The unique system HD49798-RXJ0648 a post spiral-in and common-envelope binary', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dk1wafg
