We propose to study the evolution of the 0.5-10keV spectrum and pulse profile ofHer X-1 in order to resolve the properties of the photo ionized accretion diskatmosphere of Her X-1 as the outer rim of the warped accretion disk frees ourline of sight onto the neutron star. The proposed campaign consists of five 10ksobservations that cover the 2.5d of one turn on of the main on state of the 35dcycle. The observations will be spaced 0.5d apart and cover the whole turn onfrom quiescence to almost the peak of the main on.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-08-16T08:06:51Z/2016-08-18T21:01:58Z
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, Prof Joern Wilms, 2017, 'The Physics of Accretion Disk Atmospheres: Observing a 35d Turn On of Her X-1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-eq7489w
