We propose to continue a program of Target of Opportunity Observations ofclassical and recurrent novae in outburst, triggered when a nova is observedwith Swift as a luminous X-ray source. Our aims are: a) to constrain the mass,temperature and chemical composition of the white dwarf by means of the RGSspectrum, b) to correlate temporal and spectral line variability during thenuclear burning phase, and c) if the shell is very X-ray bright, to use the RGSto explore also wind mass loss in a recurrent nova. The proposed study isimportant to understand the evolution of accretion and hydrogen burning on whitedwarfs in close binaries, including supernovae Ia progenitors.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-11-28T07:20:56Z/2011-11-28T15:56:11Z
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 Marina Orio, 2012, 'A Luminous Nova in Outburst', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7tl3gy5
