We propose to explore the orbital variability of the nearby WR+O binary, gammaVel. This system has been the subject of a recent optical variability campaignfor both spectroscopy and precision photometry with the BRITE nanosatellites.The X-ray data will provide direct constraints on the shock physics andradiative braking processes that are present in the system. Unlike most othercolliding-winds binaries, we have a high-quality visual orbit, a distanceaccurate to 7 pc, and a direct measurement of the luminosities of both stars. Assuch, the gamma Vel system will constrain how these processes work. Lastly,these observations will be made parallel to precision photometry from BRITE,allowing for a connection to be made between X-ray and optical variability.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-11-22T14:24:09Z/2016-12-22T08:18:57Z
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 Noel Richardson, 2018, 'A Hard Look at the Colliding Winds in the gamma Velorum system', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-87nx2jt
