We recently discovered that a long-known variable star, AR Sco, is a multi-wavelength emission source that shows extraordinarily strong pulsations on a 2minute period from far ultraviolet to radio frequencies. We believe that AR Scois the first white dwarf radio pulsar, where the combination of a large fieldand rapid rotation results in the acceleration of relativistic particles thatblast the inner hemisphere of its M-dwarf companion, akin to the well-knownmili-second pulsars. We request XMM-Newton observations in order to test thisinterpretation and determine the spectral and timing properties of AR Sco.sX-ray emission. This should tell us whether there is significant accretion ontothe compact object or if other processes and emission are responsible.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-09-10T15:41:41Z/2016-09-11T02:26:41Z
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 Danny Steeghs, 2017, 'AR Sco; the first white dwarf pulsarquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ye2x5w5
