The X-ray spectrum of the colliding-wind binary WR140 at apastron is producedunder benign conditions of minimum density and minimum orbital velocity andforms the initial plasma state from which subsequent evolution occurs. Thestar.s precise orbit, exceptional X-ray brightness, rich observational historyand characteristic X-ray temperature very similar to that of the Perseus Clusterof Galaxies make it the ideal reference for calibration of models of plasmasproduced under dynamical and thermodynamical conditions similar to those thathold in a variety of prominent X-ray sources. As well as precise tests ofpredicted photometry, a joint RGS-HETG high-resolution spectrum will test apredicted emission-line redshift at apastron.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-11-02T22:38:56Z/2020-11-03T22:58:56Z
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 Andrew Pollock, 2021, 'WR140 at apastron - a benchmark for colliding-wind binaries and plasma physics', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-5c08xji
