The hard X-rays from accreting white dwarfs (WDs) in magnetic cataclysmicvariables (CVs) are produced by shock-heating in the accretion column, and themeasured temperature of the accreting material depends on the mass of the WD.With high-quality hard X-ray spectra, it is possible to determine the WD mass.An important question is whether the WD mass distribution extends up to theChandrasekhar limit. The best place to look for high-mass WDs is among CVs withthe hardest spectra, making CVs found in the hard X-ray INTEGRAL surveyexcellent candidates for having the most massive WDs. We propose NuSTAR and XMMobservations of two IGR CVs. In addition to measuring the WD masses, theobservations will be used to search for periodic signals expected to be seen at the WD rotation period.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-02-19T02:01:40Z/2022-03-13T00:25:01Z
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 John Tomsick, 2023, 'WHITE DWARF MASSES AND SPIN PERIODS FOR HARD X-RAY-SELECTED GALACTIC SOURCES', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-9guvwo6
