We propose a 100 ks observation to obtain the RGS spectrum of the magnetizedmassive star xi1 CMa. According to the models, the hot plasma shall be found inthe vicinity of the Alvfen radius, which is at 50Rstar for this star. Measuringthe line species and fluxes as well as line ratios in He-like ions will allow usto establish the plasma temperatures, emission measure and magnetosphericvolume. The RGS spectrum of xi1 CMa will provide an important test of models forthe X-ray generation in massive magnetic stars, which are being challenged bylow resolution X-ray data.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-10-16T01:17:00Z/2012-10-17T08:24:58Z
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 Lidia Oskinova, 2013, 'X-ray portrait of a massive star with magnetic personality: xi1 CMa', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-m2jd2i5
