We propose joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of 3 intermediate polars(IPs) to test our understanding of reflection, widely observed in accretingbinaries and in active galactic nuclei. A physical fit requires a consistenttreatment of the reflection bump and the 6.4 keV line, but only the latter hasbeen reliably observed in IPs to date. We will fit the phase-averaged spectra ofour targets to derive the reflection amplitude. We will also measure the spinmodulation in the reflection component in IPs for the first time. This will helpverify the theory of angle dependent reflection, help break any remainingdegeneracy in fitting the phase-averaged spectra, and allow us to determine thesystem geometry of individual IPs with non-sinusoidal X-ray spin modulations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-07-07T04:19:14Z/2014-09-16T06:53:30Z
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 Koji Mukai, 2015, 'Testing Reflection in Intermediate Polars: Joint XMM-Newton+NuSTAR Observations', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hgb5r5v
