We propose a series of four 20 ks observations with NuSTAR and XMM of theGalactic binary X-ray pulsar Hercules X-1, which has a 35 day superorbitalperiod caused by a warped, precessing accretion disk. The hard beam from theneutron star heats this disk and the corresponding reprocessed, thermal emissionprovides a unique opportunity for observation of magnetic-dominated accretion.Our proposed analysis requires good spectral and timing resolution across thefull energy band (<1 keV to >20 keV) in order to constrain both the softemission from the disk and the pulsar beam. For the first time, we will track acomplete precession of Her X-1a??s accretion disk with full hard X-ray coverageto gain the clearest picture to date of the structure and kinematics of the magnetized accretion flow.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-02-09T12:26:43Z/2019-03-14T16:20:13Z
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, Ms McKinley Christine Brumback, 2020, 'A DEFINITIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE MAGNETIZED ACCRETION FLOW IN THE X-RAY PULSAR', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-issajib
