Two independent studies have detected short-period optical variability in theWolf-Rayet star WR 66. The optical period P = 3.5-4.1 hr is too short to beexplained by the stars rotation. The most likely causes are stellar pulsationsor a close companion (possibly a BH or NS) orbiting deep in the WR wind. Wepropose to obtain the first pointed X-ray observation of WR 66. Its X-rayspectral and timing properties will allow us to place it into context with otherWR stars and may shed light on its unusual variability.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-02-12T08:33:55Z/2021-02-13T00:40:35Z
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 Stephen Skinner, 2022, 'Does the Wolf-Rayet Star WR 66 Harbor a Compact Companion', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-ntilmwz
