We aim to develop an age-activity calibration for old cool stars; these are thestars around which we detect the majority of all extrasolar planets. We proposeto observe 8 stars for which we have already derived well-determined agesthrough asteroseismology, and propose to perform XMM EPIC observations todetermine their X-ray luminosities. The ultimate aim is to measure activity (inX-ray, UV, and optical) as well as rotation properties for these gold-standardsample stars to assess the natural scatter of these properties versus age andderive a reliable ageing formula for stars. We ask for a total observing time of135 ks with XMM, plus 30 ks with Chandra for a source that would otherwise beblended with a neighbouring star in XMM.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-10-22T09:45:32Z/2015-11-22T03:21:55Z
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 Katja Poppenhaeger, 2016, 'Creating a gold-standard sample of ages and activity for old cool stars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3spag5t
