The number of hard X-ray emitting Cataclysmic Variables (CVs) has been boostedin the recent years, unveiling the dominance of asynchronously rotating,magnetic accreting white dwarf primaries - the Intermediate Polars. Thesesystems are disputed to be important contributors to the galactic population oflow-luminosity X-ray sources. We have been carrying out a systematicidentification programme of new optically discovered hard X-ray CV candidateswith the unique potential of XMM-Newton to securely assess their purportedmagnetic nature by detecting X-ray spin pulses and characterizing their spectralproperties. We aim at obtaining a CV flux-limited sample with Gaia distancesfinally making statistical studies possible and uncover the true population of low luminosity sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-06-11T21:53:24Z/2019-10-10T22:18:01Z
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 Domitilla de Martino, 2020, 'The nature of hard X-ray selected CV candidates', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4z5e11z
