| Proposal ID | 060374 |
| Title | The Secret X-ray Lives of Cepheids: A New Frontier in X-ray Astronomy with XMM |
| Download Data Associated to the proposal | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0603740301 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1pnbovm |
| Principal Investigator, PI | Dr Edward Guinan |
| Abstract | Thanks to XMM Cycle 6+7 approved observations for our program, we are nowimmersed in a stellar mystery- why and how are Classical Cepheids producing X-rays? The 3 observed for us so far (Polaris, delta Cep & beta Dor) have beendetected as X-ray sources - against previously held notions. Our recent XMMresults mark the first unambiguous detections of Cepheids in X-rays. We now have2 aims: obtain deeper spectra of d Cep & b Dor at different critical pulsationphases to understand how they produce X-rays - and to expand the database ofCepheid X-ray detections to different pulsation properties. We submit a LargeProposal of 8 observations (410-ksec). With its enhanced sensitivity (5-6xChandra) and soft response (~0.15 keV), XMM is uniquely suited for the science goals of this proposal. |
| Publications |
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| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2010-01-20T18:04:11Z/2010-03-24T23:40:36Z |
| 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2011-04-14T00:00:00Z |
| Last Update | 2025-01-27 |
| Keywords | "soft response", "xmm cycle", "pulsation properties", "6x chandra", "cepheid xray detections", "xray astronomy", "delta cep", "secret xray lives", "pulsation phases", "unambiguous detections", "enhanced sensitivity", "xray sources", "deeper spectra", "beta dor", "XMM", "held notions" |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Edward Guinan, 2011, 'The Secret X-ray Lives of Cepheids: A New Frontier in X-ray Astronomy with XMM', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1pnbovm |