High-resolution X-ray spectra of novae in the Super Soft Source (SSS) phase areextremely complex since the ejecta are clumpy and asymmetric. Our group hassuccessfully pursued a variety of model-independent approaches leading toimportant results while being guided by the data rather than by models. We haverecently shown that SSS grating spectra that are dominated by emission lines ontop of continuum (SSe) experience more obscuration than those with pureabsorption line spectra (SSa). Compared to the large diversity of observedphenomena, the current sample size is too limited and we aim at increasing thenumber of observed novae. The extreme brightness in X-rays of novae during theSSS phase enables expansion of the available sample of SSS at low cost.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-03-11T10:45:10Z/2017-03-11T17:08:29Z
Version
19.17_20220121_1250
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 Jan-Uwe Ness, 2018, 'Increasing the sample of SSS grating spectra for novae', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-prftbkd
