We propose to investigate the X-ray properties of HD14947, an O5 supergiantbelieved to be a transition object between O and Wolf-Rayet stars. Starsbelonging to this scarce category display several properties strongly pointingto their transitional status, including broad and strong emission lines in thevisible and infrared, and the existence is some cases of surrounding nebulaesimilar to those existing close to WR stars. We request observation time withXMM-Newton to check whether the X-ray emission of HD14947 deviates significantlyfrom the expected behaviour of regular O-type stars, as recently revealed by ourteam on the basis of an XMM-Newton observation of a similar object, attemptingto establish an additional transition criterion in X-rays for evolved O-type stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-01-20T19:53:38Z/2013-01-21T01:58:55Z
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, 2014, 'Investigating the transitional nature of extreme O-type supergiants in X-rays', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-vmlz8du
