Our discovery with XMM in 2008 of a composite X-ray source that is spatiallycoincident with V838 Mon has placed unique new constraints on models put forwardto explain its 2002 outburst. The properties of the V838 Mon X-ray source areconsistent with a stellar merger scenario for the outburst. Alternatively, theX-ray source(s) could be indicative of interactions between ejecta from V838 Monand its early-type conpanion. Given the complete disappearance of the companionstar into V838 Mon.s ejecta shortly after our XMM detection, the new 100 ksobservation proposed here will distinguish between these two X-ray sourceorigins.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-03-25T16:38:15Z/2011-03-26T23:10:21Z
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, Prof JOEL KASTNER, 2012, 'X-rays from V838 Mon: a New Magnetic Dynamo comma or Ejecta-Companion InteractionsquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-azk04wq
