Recurrent nova (RN) contain white dwarfs (WDs) whose masses are close to theChandrasekhar limit. Some RN may thus be progenitors of type Ia supernovae(SNIa). But how do the WDs in these binaries accrete enough material to approachthe Chandrasekhar limit? To address this question, and to develop a tool forfinding SNIa progenitor candidates at an earlier stage along the path to theChandrasekhar limit, we propose to test the degree to which hard X-ray emissionis a marker for high WD mass. We thus propose to observe two RN that have noprevious pointed X-ray observations in quiescence. Our targets both havered-giant mass donor stars, which makes them similar to the one RN known toproduce strong, hard X-ray emission. This work is motivated in part by the advent of new hard X-ray surveys.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-03-01T14:36:38Z/2010-04-09T03:05:10Z
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 Jennifer Sokoloski, 2011, 'Hard X-Ray Emission from Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nfqf9fe
