Magnetic cataclysmic variables are binary systems which contain a highlymagnetic white dwarf accreting matter along its magnetic field lines from alate-type companion. It has recently been found that a particular class of thesesystems known as intermediate polars occasionally enter previously unanticipated..low states,. during which the accretion-rate, and therefore flux,mysteriously decreases. Deep, pointed X-ray observations of these low states arerare, so we propose a 50ks XMM-Newton Target of Opportunity observation of thenext intermediate polar to enter such a state, in order to investigate theaccretion mechanisms (or lack thereof) in this poorly understood low-fluxregime.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-02-14T01:02:23Z/2022-02-18T09:15:30Z
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 Aarran Shaw, 2023, 'Investigating accretion in the rare low-flux states of intermediate polars', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-gonzuji
