WR140 is the archetypal long period WR+O colliding wind binary (CWB) system,where the wind from the WR star collides with the wind of its massive companion.Its X-ray brightness, giant IR outbursts, and distinctive non-thermal (NT) radiolightcurve are all attributed to the wind-wind collision region (WCR), theproperties of which dramatically change due to the exceptionally high orbitaleccentricity (e > 0.88). XMM-Newton observations through periastron passage inAO7 provided unprecedented data on this system. Follow up observations willprovide data to complete our view of the X-ray emission from its collidingwinds, in order determine the key parameters of this system and the physicalprocesses occuring at the WCR.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-05-08T21:53:30Z/2011-04-06T18:04:08Z
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 Michael De Becker, 2012, 'Follow-up XMM-Newton observations of the cornerstone Wolf-Rayet binary WR140.', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-k8s27bv
