We propose to observe the Be/X-ray binary system EXO 2030+375 during itsperiastron passage for 30 ks to study the onset of the accretion activity.Accretion disc instability at the border of the magnetosphere have beenevidenced by quasi-periodic hour-long flux oscillations detected during INTEGRALserendipitous observations in 2011 and by EXOSAT in 1985. Existing RXTEsnapshots observations during past outbursts are unable to characterise the wayin which matter begins to penetrate into the magnetosphere. The unprecedentedsensitivity of XMM-Newton and its continuous coverage will allow us toinvestigate in detail the opening of the magnetic gate for this high-magneticfield neutron star.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-05-29T23:01:34Z/2014-05-30T10:21:49Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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 Carlo Ferrigno, 2015, 'Unveil accretion onset mechanisms of a normal outburst of EXO 2030+375', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-me3lgg4
