We have recently discovered a new way to determine the latitude of giant activeregions on fully convective M dwarfs, using rotationally modulated optical flarelight curves. This yielded a sample of four stars with well-determined latitudesof their dominant active region. We aim to detect the potential rotationalmodulation of such an active region in X-rays and compare it to the detectedoptical modulation. This encodes information on the typical coronal loop heightsof such giant active regions on M dwarfs. We propose to collect EPIC lightcurves for the star in the sample that is suitable for X-ray follow-up, coveringtwo stellar rotation periods for a total of 33 ks.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-08-05T06:14:00Z/2022-08-05T17:20:40Z
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, Ms Ekaterina Ilin, 2023, 'Probing X-ray loop heights of giant active regions on fully convective stars', 20.08_20220509_1852, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-xspcptv
