With the proposed observations we would like for the first time to make use ofthe known pulse period and X-ray flux behavior of Her X-1 (from Swift/BAT data)to test directly the promising hypothesis of the increased disc outflow duringspin-down episodes which would change substantially our view ofthe torque-interaction in accreting pulsars. We propose triggered observationsof Her X-1 in the middle of four main-on states: two pointings during strongspin-downs and two - outside the spin-down episodes (equilibrium state).Comparing the spectral data (mainly the intensity of the emission lines andthedepth of the absorption edges in the RGS spectra) would allow us to see thedifference in the amount of outflowing gas between the two regimes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-07-31T07:20:34Z/2012-04-01T23:45:35Z
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 Dmitry Klochkov, 2013, 'Catching the gas outflow during spin-downs of Her X-1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gqqu2nq
