Recent population studies of M31 novae with supersoft X-ray source counterpartshave suggested important population trends and correlations between optical andX-ray parameters. These correlations could become a vital tool for an effectiveplanning of future nova observations. A preliminary multi-parameter analysispromised a better understanding of nova physics but suffered from small numberstatistics. This project will use joint XMM-Newton (74ks) and Swift (40ks)pointings of M31 novae (with observing strategies tailored to the properties ofthe individual object) to test predictions based on the existing data. We willonly target very fast (disk) novae with well determined optical spectra andlight curves to increase the small sample of novae with multi-parameter data.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-01-16T17:41:44Z/2016-02-09T14:57:04Z
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 Martin Henze, 2017, 'Investigating X-ray and optical correlations of novae in M31', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rmf42ib
