We propose to observe the WNLh+O colliding wind (CW) binary system WR21a at fivedifferent phases along its 31-day orbit in order to improve our knowledge of thephysics of the wind-wind collisions emitting X-rays. The expected variability asa function of phase provide strong constraints on the structure of thecollision. In turn, this will enable us to derive wind parameters such as thecontroversial mass-loss rates of WNLh stars, which are extremely massive stars,thanks to the use of hydrodynamical models.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-06-14T20:48:06Z/2013-07-29T13:14:48Z
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 Eric Gosset, 2014, 'Phase resolved observations of the massive WNLh+O colliding wind binary WR21a', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-r50j7cl
