Name | 060482 |
Title | Unveiling the mystery of supergiant fast x-ray transients |
URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0604820101 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-tijxqde |
Author | Mr Enrico Bozzo |
Description | Supergiant Fast X-ray Transients (SFXT) are very variable high mass X-ray binaries in our galaxy. Two models have been proposed to interpret their behavior: (i)a gating mechanism, involving either the centrifugal barrier or ultramagnetic neutron stars (magnetars); (ii)an extermely clumpy wind from the supergiant companion. Here we propose to study the quiescent emission of three SFXTs. By making a comparison between their quiescence and outburst spectra and searching for pulsations and column density variations, we will test the applicability of the above models. These sources might well provide the very first opportunity to detect and study magnetars in binary systems. In any case, very crucial information will be obtained to test the prediction of modern theories of radiatively-driven winds. |
Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
Temporal Coverage | 2010-03-15T13:27:06Z/2010-03-22T01:22:43Z |
Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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 | 2011-05-05T00:00:00Z |
Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Mr Enrico Bozzo, 2011, 060482, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-tijxqde |