We propose to improve our understanding of structures of stellar winds and theirimplications on the X-ray emission of massive stars by collecting ahigh-quality, high-resolution RGS spectrum of the O6Ief supergiant lambda Cep.This object shares many properties with the well-observed O4Ief supergiant zetaPup which turned out to be an incredible puzzle: its X-ray spectrum meets verywell the expectations of the wind-embedded shock model, although zeta Pup is nota .normal. O-type star. This situation contrasts with that of the other morenormal, single O-type stars observed in high resolution so far. lambda Cepoffers a unique opportunity to investigate the X-ray emission of the sole twinof zeta Pup, and hence to draw a much clearer picture of the emission of single massive stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-06-12T16:28:32Z/2013-08-10T06:30:31Z
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, Prof Gregor Rauw, 2014, 'High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of lambda Cep', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-yk72qxj
