X‐ray energy spectra of CAL87

We present X‐ray spectral analysis of the super‐soft source CAL87 using ASCA, Chandra, XMM‐Newton observations. Early ASCA CCD spectrum reported a strong oxygen absorption edge, which is considered to originate in the an optically thick white‐dwarf atmosphere. On the other hand, contemporaneous grating observations by Chandra and XMM‐Newton indicate emission line dominated spectra, which obviously indicate the optically thin origin. Fitting all the available CCD (ASCA and XMM‐Newton) and grating spectra (XMM‐Newton and Chandra) simultaneously, we show that the CAL87 X‐ray energy spectrum is in fact composed of both an optically thick component with deep absorption edges and an optically thin component with numerous emission lines. The current result supports the standard SSS model that the primary source of X‐ray emission is nuclear burning in the white dwarf atmosphere, surrounded by a highly photoionised, optically thin corona (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

>“Resolving” neutron stars physics and geometry

The unprecedented harvest of X‐ray photons detected from dozens of isolated neutron stars has made it possible to glimpse at their emission mechanisms as well as at their emission geometry. Rotating hot spot(s), superimposed to the global thermal emission from the neutron star surface, are seen from several objects, allowing to probe the stars' external heating sources. Non‐thermal emission is also seen to vary as the stars rotate. Moreover, absorption features have been detected in the spectra of several objects, allowing to probe (tentatively) the stars' magnetic fields. Spectacular tails, trailing the stars' supersonic motion, trace the boundaries of the relativist winds streaming from the star's magnetosphere. Apart from classical radio pulsar and certified radio‐quiet neutron stars, XMM‐Newton has devoted significant observation time to the enigmatic central compact objects, presumably isolated neutron stars shining at the center of their supernova remnants. Far from showing a unifying behaviour, XMM‐Newton data have unveiled a surprising diversity. Understanding the reason(s) behind such diversity is the challenge for the next decade of X‐ray observations. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Galactic X‐ray source populations

The landscape of Galactic X‐ray sources made of accreting binaries, isolated objects and active stellar coronae has been significantly modified by the advent of the Chandra, XMM‐Newton and INTEGRAL satellites. New types of relatively low X‐ray luminosity X‐ray binaries have been unveiled in the Galactic disc, while deep observations of the central regions have revealed large numbers of X‐ray binaries of so far poorly constrained nature. Because of the high spatial resolution needed and faint X‐ray luminosities generally emitted, studying the dependency of the X‐ray source composition with parent stellar population, Galactic disc, bulge, nuclear bulge, etc., is only practicable in our Galaxy. The evolutionary links between low L_X X‐ray binaries and classical X‐ray luminous accreting systems are still open in many cases. In addition, the important question of the nature of the compact sources contributing to the Galactic ridge hard X‐ray emission remains unresolved. We review the most important results gathered by XMM‐Newton over the last years in this domain and show how future observations could be instrumental in addressing several of these issues. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

High spectral resolution X‐ray observations of AGN

A brief overview of some highlights of high spectral resolution X‐ray observations of AGN is given, mainly obtained with the RGS of XMM‐Newton. Future prospects for such observations with XMM‐Newton are given. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Open questions on black hole binaries

I discuss open questions regarding accreting black holes in binary systems, focusing on two questions: can we measure the spins of black holes and what is the nature of the ultraluminous X‐ray sources. XMM‐Newton could make significant strides in answering these questions and others over the next ten years. I suggest two observational programs designed to help increase our understanding of accreting black holes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

3XMM J185246.6+003317 as transient neutron star

We performed an X‐ray timing and spectral analysis of the variable source 3XMM J185246.6+003317 to investigate its physical nature. The data from all observations of 3XMMJ185246.6+003317 conducted by XMM‐Newton EPIC MOS1 and MOS2 with the same instrumental setup in 2004–2009 were reprocessed to form a homogenous data set of solar barycenter corrected photon arrival times and high S/N spectra of 3XMM J185246.6+003317. A Bayesian method for the search, detection, and estimation of the parameters of a periodic signal of unknown shape was employed, as developed by Gregory & Loredo (1992, 1993). The results show that 3XMM J185246.6+003317 is a transient neutron star with the genuine spin‐period of 23.11722 (23.11711–23.11727) s and its derivative of 5.3(0.3–5.5)×10^–11 s s^–1, implying a characteristic age of 7 (6–104) kyr, if the period derivative can be ascribed to the genuine spin‐down rate of the neutron star. The rotational‐phase averaged X‐ray spectra at the different brightness periods can be fitted with a highly absorbed blackbody model with different temperatures. The phase‐folded light curves in different energy bands with high S/N ratio show a double‐peaked profile; the variations depend on time and energy, indicating that radiation emerges from at least two emitting areas. The spectra at the phases corresponding to the maxima in the phase‐folded light curve show different spectral parameters of absorbed blackbody radiation, i.e. the hotter one has a smaller size. The source is detected only from September 2008 to April 2009 with persistently decreasing brightness, but not before, even though it was observed by XMM. Hence, it is a transient neutron star or a binary system hosting it. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Discussing the physical meaning of the absorption feature at 2.1 keV in 4U 1538–52

High resolution X‐ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying the nature of the matter surrounding the neutron star in X‐ray binaries and its interaction between the stellar wind and the compact object. In particular, absorption features in their spectra could reveal the presence of atmospheres of the neutron star or their magnetic field strength. Here we present an investigation of the absorption feature at 2.1 keV in the X‐ray spectrum of the high mass X‐ray binary 4U 1538–52 based on our previous analysis of the XMM‐Newton data. We study various possible origins and discuss the different physical scenarios in order to explain this feature. A likely interpretation is that the feature is associated with atomic transitions in an O/Ne neutron star atmosphere or of hydrogen and helium like Fe or Si ions formed in the stellar wind of the donor. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The X‐ray source population of the Andromeda galaxy M 31

First studies of the X‐ray source population of M 31 were performed with the Einstein Observatory and ROSAT. High resolution Chandra Observatory images not only spatially resolved the center area but also supernova remnants (SNRs) in the galaxy. Source catalogues of restricted areas were presented with high astrometric accuracy. Also luminosity function studies and studies of individual sources based on Chandra and XMM‐Newton observations led to a better knowledge of the X‐ray source population. An XMM‐Newton source catalog based on archival observations revealed more than 850 sources down to a 0.2–4.5 keV luminosity of 10³⁵ erg s^–1. EPIC hardness ratios as well as informations from earlier X‐ray, optical, and radio catalogues were used to distinguish between different source classes (SNRs, supersoft sources (SSSs), X‐ray binaries (XRBs), globular cluster sources within M 31, and foreground stars and objects in the background). However, many sources could only be classified as “hard”. These sources may either be XRBs or Crab‐like SNRs in M 31 or background sources. Two of the globular cluster sources could be identified as low mass XRBs with a neutron star as compact object as they showed type I X‐ray bursts. Many of the SSSs were identified as optical novae. Inspired by these results an XMM‐Newton survey of the entire D₂₅ disk of M 31 and a dedicated program to monitor X‐ray counterparts of optical novae in M 31 was started. We discuss implications for further nearby galaxy studies. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A scientific case for XMM‐Newton continuation

The presentations made at the workshop “XMM‐Newton: The Next Decade”, held at ESAC from 4th to the 6th of July 2007, contained an overwhelming amount of new results and well justified scientific questions that can be addressed by observations with XMM‐Newton. XMM‐Newton has over the next decade a solid scientific case. Given the high impact of X‐ray observations, XMM‐Newton operations are not only a matter for “X‐ray astrophysics”, but also of fundamental importance for astrophysics in general. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

X‐ray spectroscopy of early‐type stars: The present and the future

XMM‐Newton and Chandra have boosted our knowledge about the X‐ray emission of early‐type stars (spectral types OB and Wolf‐Rayet). However, there are still a number of open questions that need to be addressed in order to fully understand the X‐ray spectra of these objects. Many of these issues require high‐resolution spectroscopy or monitoring of a sample of massive stars. Given the moderate X‐ray brightness of these targets, rather long exposure times are needed to achieve these goals. In this contribution, we review our current knowledge in this field and present some hot topics that could ideally be addressed with XMM‐Newton over the next decade. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

X‐rays from young stars: A summary of highlights from the XMM‐Newton Extended Survey of the Taurus Molecular Cloud (XEST)

The XMM‐Newton Extended Survey of the Taurus Molecular Cloud (XEST) is a survey of the nearest large star‐forming region, the Taurus Molecular Cloud (TMC), making use of all instruments on board the XMM‐Newton X‐ray observatory. The survey, presently still growing, has provided unprecedented spectroscopic results from nearly every observed T Tauri star, and from ≈50% of the studied brown dwarfs and protostars. The survey includes the first coherent statistical sample of high‐resolution spectra of T Tauri stars, and is accompanied by an U ‐band/ultraviolet imaging photometric survey of the TMC. XEST led to the discovery of new, systematic X‐ray features not possible before with smaller samples, in particular the X‐ray soft excess in classical T Tauri stars and the Two‐Absorber X‐ray (TAX) spectra of jet‐driving T Tauri stars. This paper summarizes highlights from XEST and reviews the key role of this large project. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On the soft X‐ray emission of M82

We present a spatial analysis of the soft X‐ray and Hα emissions from the outflow of the starburst galaxy M82. We find that the two emissions are tightly correlated on various scales. The O VII triplet of M82, as resolved by X‐ray grating observations of XMM‐Newton, is dominated by the forbidden line, inconsistent with the thermal prediction. The O VII triplet also shows some spatial variations. We discuss three possible explanations for the observed O VII triplet, including the charge exchange at interfaces between the hot outflow and neutral cool gas, a collisional non‐equilibrium‐ionization recombining plasma, and resonance scattering (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The origin of the strong soft excess and puzzling iron line complex in Mkn 841

Mkn 841 has been observed during 3 different periods (January 2001, January 2005 and July 2005) by XMM‐Newton for a total cumulated exposure time of ∼108 ks. We present in this paper a broad band spectral analysis of the complete EPIC‐pn data sets. These observations confirm the presence of the strong soft excess and complex iron line profile known to be present in this source since a long time. They also reveal their extreme and puzzling spectral and temporal behaviors. Indeed, the 0.5–2 keV soft X‐ray flux decreases by a factor 3 between 2001 and 2005 and the line shape appears to be a mixed of broad and narrow components, both variable but on different timescales. The broad‐band 0.5–10 keV spectra are well described by a model including a primary power law continuum, a blurred photoionized reflection and a narrow iron line, the blurred reflection fitting self‐consistently the soft excess and the broad line component. The origin and nature of the narrow component is unclear. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The XMM‐Newton view of magnetars

Anomalous X‐ray Pulsars and Soft Gamma‐ray Repeaters are believed to be magnetars: isolated neutron stars powered by the decay of extremely high magnetic fields. We review some of the main results obtained with XMM‐Newton and discuss the prospects for future observations of this small but extremely interesting class of objects. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Neutron star high‐mass binaries as the origin of SGR/AXP

A close high‐mass binary system consisting of a neutron star (NS) and a massive OB supergiant companion is expected to lead to a Thorne‐Żytkow object (TZO) structure, which consists of a NS core and a stellar envelope. We use the scenario machine program to calculate the formation tracks of TZOs in close high‐mass NS binaries and their subsequent evolution. We propose and demonstrate that the explosion and instant contraction of a TZO structure leave its stellar remnant as a soft gamma‐ray repeater and an anomalous X‐ray pulsar respectively. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An XMM–Newton observation of the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence

We observed the neutron star X-ray transient 2S 1803−245 in quiescence with the X-ray satellite XMM–Newton , but did not detect it. An analysis of the X-ray bursts observed during the 1998 outburst of 2S 1803−245 gives an upper limit to the distance of ≤7.3 kpc, leading to an upper limit on the quiescent 0.5–10 keV X-ray luminosity of  ≤2.8 × 10³² erg s⁻¹  (3σ). Since the expected orbital period of 2S 1803−245 is several hours, this limit is not much higher than those observed for the quiescent black hole transients with similar orbital periods.     

Connection between spectral complexity and X‐ray weakness: testing the reflection interpretation

In recent work it was demonstrated that narrow‐line Seyfert 1 galaxies, which possessed spectral complexity in the 2–10 keV band were at the same time X‐ray weak. In this contribution I show how X‐ray weakness can be understood in the context of reflection and light bending picture. In fact, X‐ray weakness should be expected from objects that are in a reflection dominated state. With simultaneous UV and X‐ray data available with most XMM‐Newton observations, an estimate of the X‐ray weakness is relatively straightforward. As such, it is an easy way to substantiate conclusions of reflection dominated spectra, and we use this method to examine recent claims. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Results and perspectives of young stellar object long look programs

Both Chandra and XMM‐Newton have performed long look programs for studying the YSO physics. I will discuss recent results on the controversial issue of Class 0 YSO X‐ray emission, the observational evidence of magnetic funnels interconnecting the YSO with its circumstellar disk and the Fe 6.4 keV fluorescent line emission and its origin. While recent results of the XMM‐Newton DROXO program challenge the “standard” interpretation of the Fe 6.4 kev line origin as due to photoionized fluorescing disk material, the discovery of X‐ray excited Ne 12.81 μ m line is a clear evidence of the interaction between X‐rays and disk material. Future long look observations with XMM‐Newton are required to clarify the X‐ray effects on YSO disk. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Charge‐exchange emission in the starburst galaxies M82 and NGC3256

Charge‐exchange (CE) emission produces features which are detectable with the current X‐ray instrumentation in the brightest near galaxies. We describe these aspects in the observed X‐ray spectra of the star forming galaxies M82 and NGC 3256, from the Suzaku and XMM‐Newton telescopes. Emission from both ions (O, C) and neutrals (Mg, Si) is recognised. We also describe how microcalorimeter instrumentation on future missions will improve CE observations (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Update on modeling and data analysis of heliospheric solar wind charge exchange X‐ray emission

About 15 years ago, charge exchange (CX) X‐ray emission was discovered in comet observations, and was identified as the radiative decay of excited states of highly‐charge solar wind ions populated in collisions with neutral cometary material. This non‐thermal X‐ray emission mechanism is now generally acknowledged in planetary environments (e.g. Mars, Earth), as well as interstellar atoms sweeping through the heliosphere. In this paper I present the most recent improvements made in simulations of the heliospheric CX X‐ray emission. The model results are compared to X‐ray data from Suzaku, XMM‐Newton and Chandra spanning over a 10‐year period, and some conclusions are drawn on the heliospheric contribution to the diffuse soft X‐ray background. The solar system CX X‐ray sources can serve as prototypes in terms of modeling and diagnostics to more distant astrophysical objects where CX emission signatures are being discovered (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)