Abstract
We present XMM-Newton observations of the B giant β Centauri (Bl III). The spectra are rich of spectral lines from a wide range of ionization stages which indicate temperatures in the range ∼0.1-0.6 keV. Simultaneous fits to the RGS, EPIC-MOS, and EPiC-pn spectra yield three plasma temperatures (0.1, 0.2, and 0.6 keV), emission measures, and elemental abundances which are quite close to solar values. These temperatures are confirmed by DEM modeling. According to the derived models the intrinsic source X-ray luminosity in the energy range 0.3-10 keV is L x = 10 x 10 30 erg s -1 at a distance of 161 pc. An analysis of the X-ray light curve suggests that the photospheric variability does not have much of an effect on the properties of the X-ray luminosity. The sensitivity of the He-like forbidden and intercombination lines to a strong ultraviolet stellar radiation field is used to constrain the radial distances at which the lines of Ne IX, 0 VII, and N VI originate.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
