We propose a 70 ks XMM-Newton observation with simultaneous NuSTAR coverage ofthe HMXB GX 301-2 at phi = 0.5-0.7 at apastron of the highly eccentric orbitwhen the wind of the companion is less disturbed by tidal interaction with theneutron star and the source is bright enough to enable studies of short-termabsorption variability. This will only be the second XMM-Newton observation ofGX 301-2 and the first outside of the pre-periastron flare. It will allow us tostudy the structure of the dense, slow wind of the B1 Ia+ companion, Wray 997,and to probe wind accretion in such an extreme environment. We will additionallyilluminate the properties of the accretion columns through pulse-phase resolvedspectroscopy and through variability studies of the cyclotron lines.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-02-02T12:06:57Z/2022-02-03T08:06:57Z
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 Victoria Grinberg, 2023, 'Deciphering accretion from a slow wind\: the case of HXMB GX 301-2', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-cv2pvpo
