gamma Cas objects are Be stars presenting an unusually intense and hard X-rayemission. Currently, 25 such objects are known but the origin of their X-raypeculiarities remains debated. By means of snapshots of carefully selectedobjects, we propose to sensitively test one of the competing scenarios aiming atexplaining this phenomenon.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-05-30T05:32:58Z/2022-03-22T05:00:32Z
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 Yael Naze, 2023, 'Understanding the gamma Cas phenomenon', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-b7ab2jg
