We propose a 100 ks XMM-Newton observation with simultaneous NuSTAR coverage ofthe wind-accreting HMXB Vela X-1 at orbital phase = 0.35-0.55, when we expectthe largest changes in absorption as the accretion wake starts to overlap ourline of sight. It will allow us to map the wind and accretion structure in thesystem, in particularly to trace the wakes, study the clumpiness of the windand its ionization structure and investigate the location of the reprocessingsites in the system. We will additionally be able to illuminate the propertiesof the accretion columns through variability studies of the cyclotron resonancescattering features and pulse-phase resolved spectroscopy and to investigatethe origin of the soft excess.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-05-03T21:14:00Z/2019-05-05T05:09:00Z
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 Victoria Grinberg, 2020, 'Mapping the wind and accretion structure in HMXBs using Vela X-1', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0lb1fyk
