We propose a 25 ks observation of a recently discovered unique hydrogen- andhelium-free hot star, Cas J005311, with a record wind velocity of 5 per cent ofthe speed of light. Cas J005311 is likely a super-Chandrasekhar masscarbon-oxygen white dwarf which is a result of a merger. We propose a decisivedetection experiment aimed to verify the theory of magnetically supported windsfrom fast rotating supermassive white dwarfs. The XMM-Newton discovery of X-raysfrom Cas J005311 will have profound consequences for our understanding of whitedwarf mergers and the origin of fast-rotating and magnetic stars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-07-08T02:32:57Z/2019-07-24T07:19:47Z
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 Lidia Oskinova, 2020, 'Using XMM-Newton to study a massive white dwarf merger', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-5ntxdcj
