We propose to use the high throughput and high resolution capabilities ofXMM-Newton to perform phase resolved spectroscopy of the extreme supergiant windaccretor XTE J1855 026. This will allow us to study the stellar wind structureand properties of the B supergiant donor through\: a) the reconstruction of thewind density stratification in a B0.5Ia luminous star, b) put observationalconstrains on the radial onset of wind clumping, c) explore the accretionphysics at work and its interplay with the wind to explain the episodes ofextreme brightness not seen in systems with similar donors.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-03-21T23:32:13Z/2020-03-22T16:12:13Z
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, Prof Jose Miguel Torrejon, 2021, 'The extreme supergiant X-ray binary XTE J1855 026\: the missing linkquestionMark', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-pg1kh5n
