In a previous XMM observation we discovered that the Oe star HD45314 belongs tothe group of so-called gamma Cas analogs. Its X-ray luminosity is about 10 timeshigher than that of normal OB stars and the X-ray spectrum is extremely hard,suggesting kT virgul 21keV. During the previous X-ray observation, simultaneousoptical spectra indicated that HD45314 was in a rather low emission state. Ourmonitoring of the optical spectrum of this star reveals huge variations in thestrengths of the emission lines which are diagnostics of the circumstellar disk.Since the most plausible scenarios for the gamma Cas phenomenon involve a stronginteraction with the circumstellar disk, we propose to reobserve HD45314 nexttime the star undergoes an outburst and/or in case its disk should clear away.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-03-08T05:08:39Z/2016-03-08T13:45:19Z
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, Prof Gregor Rauw, 2017, 'HD45314 the first gamma Cas analog among Oe stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-g170nil
