Maser observations demonstrate the existence of magnetic fields in thecircumstellar envelopes of AGB stars. However, thus far, only 2-3 AGB stars haveexhibited evidence for coronal X-ray emission. We have demonstrated that onlythe sensitivity of modern X-ray telescopes can detect magnetically-inducedcoronal emission and have identified a sample of AGB stars which are idealcandidates to search for such emission. Specifically, we have selected a sampleof AGB stars with SiO maser emission, UV emission in at least one of the GALEXbandpasses, and low mass loss rates. The four selected AGB stars provide a pilotsample that optimally probes for coronal activity beyond the giant phase andthat provides valuable tests for the launching and shaping of AGB mass loss.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-04-16T11:32:00Z/2014-10-13T21:08:02Z
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 Rodolfo Montez, 2015, 'Search for X-ray Emission from AGB Stars in the Coronal Graveyard', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ctqm0ts
