We propose to use XMM to observe eclipsing probable quiescent low-mass X-raybinaries selected from the Galactic Bulge Survey. The XMM data are crucial todetermine the eclipsing duration, one cannot do this as accurately from opticallight curves as from X-ray light curves as the X-ray emission region is smallcompared to the mass donor star. Using the XMM eclipse duration and the VLTspectroscopy we can determine virtually model independent masses of the compactobjects. Furthermore, we may select different mass ratio systems favoringlow-mass black holes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-03-08T20:56:13Z/2014-03-09T13:44:33Z
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 Peter Jonker, 2015, 'GBS-discovered quiescent X-ray binaries: XMM eclipse duration and VLT spectra', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8xt2mmn
