We propose for 68 ksec of observing time on XMM-Newton to monitor X-ray activityon four pairs of virtually identical twin M dwarfs. These twin wide binaries arecomprised of stars with nearly identical masses, ages, and compositions.Evolutionary models and conventional thinking suggest that such sets of twinstars should evolve nearly co-equally, resulting in similar levels of magneticactivity. These XMM-Newton data will be used in concert with optical monitoringthat provides information about short-term flaring, medium-term rotationperiods, and long-term stellar spot cycles, which can then be correlated withX-ray activity. This work is carried out as part of CoI Couperus. Ph.D. thesis.This will be a robust test of magnetic predictability.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-03-25T06:29:43Z/2022-03-25T11:32:38Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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 Rachel Osten, 2022, 'Fraternal or IdenticalquestionMark The Magnetic Properties of M Dwarf Twins', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-awtxc3g
