A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Name 069121
Title A Massive Companion to an Extremely Low-Mass White Dwarf
URL

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0691210101
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0691210201
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0691210301

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ouen8dt
Author Dr Mukremin Kilic
Description We have recently discovered a remarkable binary system containing a 0.17 Msun
tidally distorted white dwarf and an unseen massive companion. LMWD 439 shows
peak-to-peak radial velocity variations of 1020 km/s with an orbital period of
88 minutes. The optical photometry rules out main-sequence companions. Based on
the mass function alone, there is 62% chance that the companion is more massive
than 1.4 Msun. To distinguish between a neutron star and a massive white dwarf
companion, we propose a search for X-ray emission from LMWD 439. New
milli-second pulsars with companions amenable to spectroscopy are of great
interest, as they allow for a measurement of neutron star mass. If the companion
is not a neutron star, this system would be a strong candidate for a Type Ia supernova progenitor.
Publication No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2012-10-25T17:34:28Z/2012-12-14T19:27:30Z
Version 17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2014-01-16T00:00:00Z
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Mukremin Kilic, 2014, 069121, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ouen8dt