With 355 ks of XMM time we propose to cardinally advance our knowledge of X-raysfrom beta Cep variables. This important class of massive stars provides theunique opportunity to study connections between photosphere and wind. This studyis prerequisite to build up models, where the stellar atmosphere and interiorare treated consistently. We propose to double the sample of stars with knownX-ray pulsational behavior allowing to unravel the mechanisms coupling the innerand outer layers of star. We also propose to conduct the dedicated survey ofbeta Cep variables to find the correlations between X-ray and stellarproperties. The new XMM data will bridge between asteroseismology and thephysics of stellar winds, and revolutionize our understanding of massive stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-04-21T06:44:53Z/2015-09-19T19:17:24Z
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 Lidia Oskinova, 2016, 'X-ray pulsations of massive stars: XMM opens a new door to stellar physics', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-r5s0oqk
