We propose to investigate the X-ray properties of the mysterious O9.5Vp starHD93521. This object is a very fast rotator, located at an unusually highGalactic latitude of 62.15 and displaying prominent line profile variability inthe optical and UV domain. The nature of this star has been much debated overthe last decades and it has been suggested that this is either a rather normalPopulation I O-type star displaying non-radial pulsations or a low-massPopulation II object, or an O-star with a compact companion that accretes matterfrom the O-star. X-ray observations have the power to discriminate between thesescenarios since the X-ray spectrum and luminosity are expected to be quitedistinct in the three cases.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-11-02T23:07:35Z/2009-11-03T10:44:27Z
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, Prof Gregor Rauw, 2010, 'The X-ray properties of the mysterious high Galactic latitude O-star HD93521', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-duuu07i
