The X-ray spectrum of BF Eri contains a puzzling contradiction. BF Eri is theoptical counterpart of an Einstein slew survey source 1ES0437-046, and wasidentified as a cataclysmic variable with a massive (>1.23 Msun) white dwarf. Assuch, we expect a hot, optically-thin, thermal plasma with prominent emissionlines of He-like and/or H-like iron. No such lines are seen in the Suzakuobservation, showing instead a continuum-dominated spectrum. While this could bedue to a low abundance of iron, the equivalent width of the 6.4 keV linesuggests a near-solar abundance. Here we propose an XMM-Newton observation of BFEri to confirm and refine, or refute, these Suzaku results, with the aim ofconstructing a model for the X-ray emission from BF Eri with a single abundance of iron.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-03-09T06:16:43Z/2020-03-09T15:35:03Z
Version
18.02_20200221_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 Koji Mukai, 2021, 'The Quest for a Self-Consistent Model of BF Eri = 1ES 0437-046', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-52mskut
