Since 2014, the symbiotic recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis has been in a highaccretion rate state, rapidly accumulating the hydrogen-rich fuel that themassive white dwarf in this system will need for its next nova eruption,expected within several years. T CrB is evolving within this high state, withthe optical light showing a gradual fading. XMM observations in 2017, 2018, and2020, however, suggested that the accretion rate remained relatively constant.The observed differences appear to be caused by changes in the intrinsicabsorber, probably related to the accretion disk wind. We therefore propose aset of two joint XMM-HST observations to monitor the accretion rate through theKeplerian disk and the boundary layer, and the amount of X-ray/UV absorber during this crucial period.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-08-23T09:20:44Z/2022-07-30T09:35:24Z
Version
20.08_20220509_1852
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 Koji Mukai, 2023, 'The Symbiotic Recurrent Nova T CrB as it Appoaches its Next Eruption', 20.08_20220509_1852, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-crendbg
