Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton

Details Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton

Mar 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006apj...639..397i&link_type=abstract

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 639, Issue 1, pp. 397-404.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

16

Stars: Binaries: Close, Stars: Novae, Cataclysmic Variables, Plasmas, Stars: Individual: Constellation Name: Ae Aquarii, X-Rays: Stars

Scientific paper

We report on XMM-Newton observations of the magnetic CV AE Aqr. High-resolution spectroscopy of the He-like triplet of N and O with the RGS has enabled us to measure the electron number density of the plasma as ~1011 cm-3. Incorporating this with the emission measure, we estimate the geometrical scale of the plasma emitting these lines to be lp~=(2-3)×1010 cm. Since the density and the scale are both incompatible with the standard postshock accretion column of an mCV, the plasma cannot be a product of mass accretion onto the white dwarf. The widths of the H-like Kα emission lines of N and O (=1250-1600 km s-1) are of similar magnitude to the thermal velocity dispersion of the hottest part of the plasma, where kTmax is 4.6 keV. It is known that Balmer series and UV emission lines also show a similar velocity dispersion. In addition, like these lines, the X-ray emission lines are found to show dramatic flaring activity. These facts strongly suggest that all these broad emission lines from X-ray to optical wave bands are produced in the course of adiabatic cooling of the plasma once heated up to Tmax in the deep gravitational potential of the white dwarf. This interpretation can resolve the problem of the absence of the high-velocity component in the Hα emission line spectrum by a scenario where the plasma that is expelled due to the propeller action is still too hot to emit the Hα line within a region of r

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Density Diagnostics of the Hot Plasma in AE Aquarii with XMM-Newton will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1579893