RBS1955 is a nearby, high-latitude CV discovered by ROSAT. Detailed opticalfollow-up suggests a likely magnetic nature, a likely link between polars andintermediate polars. Its spectral energy distribution with a large opticalexcess is a-typical for either class. We propose follow-up with XMM-Newton fortiming and spectroscopy to determine its energy budget and likely accretionscenario. RBS1955-like CVs might be important contributors to the yet unresolvedgalactic hard X-ray emission and knowledge of their X-ray properties is thusimportant for models of the galactic X-ray emission.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-12-29T19:09:20Z/2009-12-30T09:51:19Z
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 Axel Schwope, 2011, 'RBS1955 -- prototype of low-luminosity magnetic CVsquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nlavtqh
