A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Name 078394
Title AR Sco; the first white dwarf pulsar?
URL

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0783940101

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ye2x5w5
Author Dr Danny Steeghs
Description We recently discovered that a long-known variable star, AR Sco, is a multi-
wavelength emission source that shows extraordinarily strong pulsations on a 2
minute period from far ultraviolet to radio frequencies. We believe that AR Sco
is the first white dwarf radio pulsar, where the combination of a large field
and rapid rotation results in the acceleration of relativistic particles that
blast the inner hemisphere of its M-dwarf companion, akin to the well-known
mili-second pulsars. We request XMM-Newton observations in order to test this
interpretation and determine the spectral and timing properties of AR Sco.s
X-ray emission. This should tell us whether there is significant accretion onto
the compact object or if other processes and emission are responsible.
Publication No observations found associated with the current proposal
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 Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2017-09-30T22:00:00Z
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Danny Steeghs, 2017, 078394, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ye2x5w5