Angular momentum and mass loss from massive binary star systems is poorlyconstrained; however, eclipsing colliding-wind systems provide usefullaboratories in which to study these processes. V444 Cyg is a bright, WN5+O6colliding-wind system that shows different eclipse behaviors in the hard andsoft X-rays. We ask for XMM-Newton observations that, combined with opticalspectropolarimetric observations, will significantly improve our understandingof the 3D structure of the winds and wind-wind collision region in V444 Cyg.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-05-05T20:43:34Z/2012-06-15T04:45:44Z
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, Ms Jamie Lomax, 2013, 'The Wind-Wind Interaction Region and Stellar Wind Geometry of V444 Cyg', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-yzg1qo2
