Surface magnetic fields strengths of 2-10 G have been measured from the evolvedstars chi Cyg and U Mon. These measurements support the notion that large-scalemagnetic fields thread the circumstellar environment of asymptotic giant branch(AGB) and post-AGB stars. Magnetic fields are possible triggers of the superwindphase of AGB stars and asymmetric shaping of mass loss into the post-AGB phase.The low surface magnetic field strengths imply X-ray fluxes that are withinreach of deep XMM exposures. We propose XMM X-ray observations of these twoevolved stars to detect their predicted low level X-ray emission and establish acoronal origin for any X-ray emission. Ultimately, these observations provideinsight into the evolution of stellar magnetic processes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-05-04T12:04:29Z/2016-10-24T04:20:06Z
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 Rodolfo Montez, 2017, 'Magnetic Flux and Coronal X-ray Emission in the Late Stages of Stellar Evolution', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4vrmpoe
