The hypergiant IRC+10420 is most probably a massive star evolving from the redsupergiant phase to the Wolf-Rayet phase, crossing a particular location in theH-R diagram called the yellow void where stars are extremely rare and aredynamically unstable. This makes this object unique for the study of early-typestar evolution, and the investigation of physical processes related to massivestars. Although several studies have been devoted to this enigmatic object inthe infrared, it never benefited from a dedicated X-ray observation. We requesta XMM observation of IRC+10420 aiming at characterizing for the first time itsX-ray properties, and probe a part of the physics of this object that is notaccessible at other wavelengths.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-11-03T19:16:57Z/2011-11-03T22:52:16Z
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, 'First ever dedicated X-ray observation of the enigmatic hypergiant IRC+10420', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zu13q44
