We request a single, unphased, 5-ks snapshot observation of the southern WRvariable star WR 71. The binary status of this object is uncertain, but ourrecent observations show that its spectropolarimetric features resemble those ofknown WR+O binary systems. We seek to establish whether WR 71 displays brightX-ray emission similar to known colliding-wind binaries. If so, we will proposefollow-up observations to characterize its X-ray spectrum and shed further lighton its binary status.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-09-09T11:32:41Z/2022-02-07T15:48:43Z
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, Ms Rachel Johnson, 2023, 'WR 71\: To Binary or not to Binary', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-q5rfri3
