Chandra HETGS Research Articles

CHANDRAGRATING SPECTROSCOPY OF THE Be/X-RAY BINARY 1A 0535+262

We present Chandra HETGS spectroscopy of the Be/X-ray binary 1A 0535+262 obtained during the 2009/2010 giant outburst. These are the first CCD grating spectra of this type of system during a giant outburst. Our spectra reveal a number of lines including a narrow Fe K_alpha emission line with a FWHM of ~ 5000 km s^-1. For the first time, we detect the presence of a highly ionized outflow in a Be/X-ray binary. Assuming that the line is He-like Fe XXV, fits with a simple Gaussian imply an outflow velocity of ~ 1500 km s^-1. However, self-consistent photoionization modeling with XSTAR suggests that Fe XXIII-XXIV must also contribute. In this case, an outflow velocity of ~ 3000 km s^-1 is implied. These results are discussed in the context of the accretion flow in Be-star, neutron star, and black hole X-ray binaries.

Chandra and XMM-Newton view of the warm absorbing gas in Mrk 290

We present a detailed analysis of the Chandra HETGS and XMM-Newton high resolution spectra of the bright Seyfert 1 galaxy, Mrk 290. The Chandra spectra reveal complex absorption features that can be best described by a combination of three ionized absorbers. The outflow velocities of these warm absorbers are about 450 km/s, consistent with the three absorption components found in a previous far UV study. The ionizing continuum of Mrk 290 fluctuated by a factor of 1.4 during Chandra observations on a time scale of 17 days. Thus, we put a lower limit on the distance from the ionizing source of 0.9 pc for the medium ionized absorber and an upper limit on distance of 2.5 pc for the lowest ionized absorber. The three ionization components lie on the stable branch of the thermal equilibrium curve, indicating that the torus is most likely the origin of warm absorbing gas in Mrk 290. During the XMM-Newton observation, the ionizing luminosity was 50% lower compared to the one in the Chandra observation. Neither the ionization parameter nor the column density of the two absorbing components varied significantly, compared to the results from Chandra observations. However, the outflow velocities of both components were 1260 km/s. We suggest that an entirely new warm absorber from the torus passed through our line of sight. Assuming the torus wind model, the estimated mass outflow rate is about 1 Solar mass per year.

The physics of disk winds, jets, and X-ray variability in GRS 1915+105

AbstractWe present new insights about accretion and ejection physics based on joint RXTE/Chandra HETGS studies of rapid X-ray variability in GRS 1915+105. For the first time, with fast phase-resolved spectroscopy of the ρ state, we are able to show that changes in the broadband X-ray spectrum (RXTE) on timescales of seconds are associated with measurable changes in absorption lines (Chandra HETGS) from the accretion disk wind. Additionally, we make a direct detection of material evaporating from the radiation-pressure-dominated inner disk. Our X-ray data thus reveal the black hole as it ejects a portion of the inner accretion flow and then drives a wind from the outer disk, all in a bizarre cycle that lasts fewer than 60 seconds but can repeat for weeks. We find that the accretion disk wind may be sufficiently massive to play an active role in GRS 1915+105, not only in quenching the jet on long timescales, but also in possibly producing or facilitating transitions between classes of X-ray variability.

THE TWO-PHASE, TWO-VELOCITY IONIZED ABSORBER IN THE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY NGC 5548

We present an analysis of X-ray high quality grating spectra of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 using archival Chandra HETGS and LETGS observations for a total exposure time of 800ks. The continuum emission is well represented by a powerlaw plus a black-body component. We find that the well known X-ray warm absorber in this source consists of two different outflow velocity systems. Recognizing the presence of these kinematically distinct components allows each system to be fitted independently, each with two absorption components with different ionization levels. The high velocity system consists of a component with temperature of 2.7X10^6K and another component with temperature of 5.8X10^5K. The low-velocity system required also two absorbing components, one with temperature of 5.8X10^5K; the other with lower temperature (3.5X10^4K). Once these components are considered, the data do not require any further absorbers. In particular, a model consisting of a continuous radial range of ionization structures is not required. The two absorbing components in each velocity system are in pressure equilibrium with each other. This suggests that each velocity system consists of a multi-phase medium. This is the first time that different outflow velocity systems have been modelled independently in the X-ray band for this source. The kinematic components and column densities found from the X-rays are in agreement with the main kinematic components found in the UV absorber. This supports the idea that the UV and X-ray absorbing gas is part of the same phenomenon. NGC 5548 can now be seen to fit in a pattern established for other warm absorbers: 2 or 3 discrete phases in pressure equilibrium. There are no remaining cases of a well studied warm absorber in which a model consisting of a multi-phase medium is not viable.

GRS 1915+105 IN “SOFT STATE”: NATURE OF ACCRETION DISK WIND AND ORIGIN OF X-RAY EMISSION

We present the results from simultaneous Chandra HETGS and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) observations of the microquasar GRS 1915+105 in its quasi-stable "soft state" (or State A) performed on 2007 August 14, several days after the state transition from "hard state" (State C). The X-ray flux increased with spectral hardening around the middle of the Chandra observation, after which the 67 Hz quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) became significant. The HETGS spectra reveal at least 32 narrow absorption lines from highly ionized ions including Ne, Mg, Si, S, Ar, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, whose features are the deepest among those ever observed with Chandra from this source. By fitting to the absorption-line profiles by Voigt functions, we find that the absorber has outflow velocities of ≈150 and ≈500 km s−1 with a line-of-sight velocity dispersion of ≈70 and ≈200 km s−1 for the Si xiv and Fe xxvi ions, respectively. The larger velocity and its dispersion in heavier ions indicate that the wind has a nonuniform dynamical structure along the line of sight. The location of the absorber is estimated at ∼(1–3) × 105rg (where rg is the gravitational radius) from the source, consistent with thermally and/or radiation-driven winds. By taking into account narrow spectral features detected with Chandra, the continuum spectra obtained with RXTE in the 3–25 keV band can be well described with a thermal Comptonization with an electron temperature of ≈4 keV and an optical depth of ≈5 from seed photons from the standard disk extending down to (4–7)rg. In this interpretation, most of the radiation energy is produced in the Comptonization corona, which completely covers the inner part of the disk. A broad (1σ width of ≈0.2 keV) iron-K emission line and a smeared edge feature are detected, which can be explained by reflection from the accretion disk at radii larger than 400rg when an emissivity power law index of −3 is assumed.

X‐Ray Emission from Young Stellar Objects in the ε Chamaeleontis Group: The Herbig Ae Star HD 104237 and Associated Low‐Mass Stars

We present Chandra HETGS observations of the Herbig Ae star HD 104237 and the associated young stars comprising lower mass stars, in the 0.15-1.75 -->M? mass range, in their pre-main-sequence phase. The brightest X-ray source in the association is the central system harboring the Herbig Ae primary and a K3 companion. Its X-ray variability indicates modulation possibly on timescales of the rotation period of the Herbig Ae star, and this would imply that the primary significantly contributes to the overall emission. The spectrum of the Herbig Ae+K3 system shows a soft component significantly more pronounced than in other K-type young stars. This soft emission is reminiscent of the unusually soft spectra observed for the single Herbig Ae stars HD 163296 and AB Aur, and therefore we tentatively attribute it to the Herbig Ae of the binary system. The HETGS spectrum shows strong emission lines corresponding to a wide range of plasma temperatures. The He-like triplet of Mg XI and Ne IX suggests the presence of plasma at densities of about 1012 cm?3, possibly indicating an accretion-related X-ray production mechanism. The analysis of the zeroth-order spectra of the other sources indicates X-ray emission characteristics typical of pre-main-sequence stars of similar spectral type, with the exception of the T Tauri HD 104237-D, whose extremely soft emission is very similar to the emission of the classical T Tauri star TW Hya and suggests X-ray production by shocked accreting plasma.

Coronal properties of the EQ Pegasi binary system

Context. The activity indicators of M dwarfs are distinctly different for early and late types. The coronae of early M dwarfs display high X-ray luminosities and temperatures, a pronounced inverse FIP effect, and frequent flaring to the extent that no quiescent leve l can be defined in many cases. For late M dwarfs, fewer but more v iolent flares have been observed, and the quiescent X-ray lum inosity is much lower. Aims. To probe the relationship between coronal properties with spectral type of active M dwarfs, we analyze the M3.5 and M4.5 components of the EQ Peg binary system in comparison with other active M dwarfs of spectral types M0.5 to M5.5. Methods. We investigate the timing behavior of both components of the EQ Peg system, reconstruct their differential emission measure, and investigate the coronal abundance ratios based on emission-measure independent line ratios from their Chandra HETGS spectra. Finally we test for density variations in different states of activity. Results. The X-ray luminosity of EQ Peg A (M3.5) is by a factor of 6‐10 brighter than that of EQ Peg B (M4.5). Like most other active M dwarfs, the EQ Peg system shows an inverse FIP effect. The abundances of both components are consistent within the errors; however, there seems to be a tendency toward the inverse FIP effect being less pronounced in the less active EQ Peg B when comparing the quiescent state of the two stars. This trend is supported by our comparison with other M dwarfs. Conclusions. As the X-ray luminosity decreases with later spectral type, so do coronal temperatures and flare rate. The amplitude of the observed abundance anomalies, i. e. the inverse FIP effect, declines; however, clear deviations from solar abundances remain.

MODELING THE SS 433 JET BENDS

We fit Chandra HETGS data obtained for the unusual X-ray binary SS 433. While line strengths and continuum levels hardly change, the jet Doppler shifts show aperiodic variations that probably result from shocks in interactions with the local environment. The X-ray and optical emission line regions are found to be related but not coincident as the optical line emission persists for days while the X-ray emission lines fade in less than 5000 s. The X-ray spectrum of the blueshifted jet shows over two dozen emission lines from plasma at a variety of temperatures. The emission measure distribution derived from the spectrum can be used to test jet cooling models.

Chandra spectroscopy of the hot star β Crucis and the discovery of a pre-main-sequence companion

In order to test the O star wind-shock scenario for X-ray production in less luminous stars with weaker winds, we made a pointed 74 ks observation of the nearby early B giant, beta Cru (B0.5 III), with the Chandra HETGS. We find that the X-ray spectrum is quite soft, with a dominant thermal component near 3 million K, and that the emission lines are resolved but quite narrow, with half-widths of 150 km/s. The forbidden-to-intercombination line ratios of Ne IX and Mg XI indicate that the hot plasma is distributed in the wind, rather than confined near the photosphere. It is difficult to understand the X-ray data in the context of the standard wind-shock paradigm for OB stars, primarily because of the narrow lines, but also because of the high X-ray production efficiency. A scenario in which the bulk of the outer wind is shock heated is broadly consistent with the data, but not very well motivated theoretically. It is possible that magnetic channeling could explain the X-ray properties, although no field has been detected on beta Cru. We detected periodic variability in the hard (hnu > 1 keV) X-rays, modulated on the known optical period of 4.58 hours, which is the period of the primary beta Cep pulsation mode for this star. We also have detected, for the first time, an apparent companion to beta Cru at a projected separation of 4 arcsec. This companion was likely never seen in optical images because of the presumed very high contrast between it and beta Cru in the optical. However, the brightness contrast in the X-ray is only 3:1, which is consistent with the companion being an X-ray active low-mass pre-main-sequence star. The companion's X-ray spectrum is relatively hard and variable, as would be expected from a post T Tauri star.

An absorption origin for the X-ray spectral variability of MCG–6-30-15

Context. The Seyfert I galaxy MCG–6-30-15 shows one of the best examples of a broad “red wing” of emission in its X-ray spectrum at energies 2 20 keV. Methods. We compiled all the available long-exposure, high-quality data for MCG–6-30-15: 522 ks of Chandra hetgs, 282 ks of XMM-Newton pn/rgs and 253 ks of Suzaku xis/pin data. This is the first analysis of this full dataset. We investigated the spectral variability on timescales >20 ks using principal components analysis and fitted spectral models to “flux state” and mean spectra over the energy range 0.5−45 keV (depending on detector). The absorber model was based on the zones previously identified in the highresolution grating data. Joint fits were carried out to any data that were simultaneous. Results. Multiple absorbing zones covering a wide range of ionisation are required by the grating data, including a highly ionised outflowing zone. A variable partial-covering zone plus absorbed low-ionisation reflection, distant from the source, provides a complete description of the variable X-ray spectrum. A single model fits all the data. We conclude that these zones are responsible for the red wing, its apparent lack of variability, the absorption structure around the Fe Kα line, the soft-band “excess” and the high flux seen in the hard X-ray band. A relativistically-blurred Fe line is not required in this model. We suggest the partial covering zone is a clumpy wind from the accretion disk.

Geometry Diagnostics of a Stellar Flare from Fluorescent X-Rays

We present evidence of Fe fluorescent emission in the Chandra HETGS spectrum of the single G-type giant HR 9024 during a large flare. In analogy to solar X-ray observations, we interpret the observed Fe Ka line as being produced by illumination of the photosphere by ionizing coronal X-rays, in which case, for a given Fe photospheric abundance, its intensity depends on the height of the X-ray source. The HETGS observations, together with three-dimensional Monte Carlo calculations to model the fluorescence emission, are used to obtain a direct geometric constraint on the scale height of the flaring coronal plasma. We compute the Fe fluorescent emission induced by the emission of a single flaring coronal loop that well reproduces the observed X-ray temporal and spectral properties according to a detailed hydrodynamic modeling. The predicted Fe fluorescent emission is in good agreement with the observed value within observational uncertainties, pointing to a scale height . Comparison of the HR 9024 flare with that recently observed on II Peg by Swift indicates the 0.3R∗ latter is consistent with excitation by X-ray photoionization. Subject headings: hydrodynamics — plasmas — stars: coronae — X-rays: stars

Probing Unification withChandraHETGS andXMM‐NewtonEPIC and RGS Spectroscopy of the Narrow Emission Line Galaxy NGC 2110

We present results from Chandra HETGS (250 ks over two epochs) and XMM-Newton EPIC and RGS (60 ks) observations of NGC 2110, which has been historically classified as a narrow emission line galaxy. Our results support the interpretation that the source is a Seyfert 2 viewed through a patchy absorber. The nuclear X-ray spectrum of the source is best described by a power law of photon index Γ ∼ 1.7, modified by absorption from multiple layers of neutral material at a large distance from the central supermassive black hole. We report the strong detections of Fe Kα and Si Kα lines, which are marginally resolved with the Chandra HETGS, and we constrain the emission radius of the fluorescing material to ≳1 pc. There is some evidence for modest additional broadening at the base of the narrow Fe Kα core with a velocity ~4500 km s−1. We find tentative evidence for ionized emission (O VIII Lyα, an O VIII RRC feature, and possibly a Ne IX forbidden line) in the Chandra MEG and XMM-Newton RGS spectra, which could be associated with the known extended X-ray emission that lies ~160 pc from the nucleus. We suggest that the 1023 cm−2 partially covering absorber originates in broad-line region clouds in the vicinity of the AGN, and that the 3 × 1022 cm−2 coverer is likely to have a more distant origin and have a flattened geometry in order to allow the small-scale radio jet to escape.

High‐Resolution X‐Ray Spectroscopy of a Low‐Luminosity Active Galactic Nucleus: The Structure and Dynamics of M81*

We present Chandra HETGS observations of the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus (LLAGN) of M81. The HETGS is unique in providing high-resolution spectroscopy of the central 1'' of M81, including the iron K bandpass. The continuum is a power law of photon index Γ = 1.8, similar to that seen in highly luminous AGNs. Highly ionized emission lines, characteristic of gas at temperatures of T = 106-108 K, are detected. Many of these thermal lines are velocity broadened, with a FWHM of approximately 1500 km s-1. A separate thermal component is associated with a 2557 km s-1 redshifted Fe XXVI emission line, characteristic of gas at temperatures T = 107.4-108 K. Neutral Fe, Ar, and Si Kα fluorescence lines indicate the presence of cold, dense material. The Si Kα fluorescence line is velocity broadened, with a FWHM of 1200 km s-1. If the fluorescence lines are produced by reflection from cold, Compton thick material, then the line strengths are not compatible with solar abundances, instead favoring enhanced Ar and Si abundances with respect to the Fe abundance. The Fe Kα line is narrow, with no evidence of a thin disk extending inside 55rg (where rg = GM/c2 is the gravitational radius for a black hole of mass M). We show that a simple spectral model used to represent the expectations from a radiatively inefficient accretion flow (RIAF) describes the X-ray data well, while in a companion paper we will show that jet models with parameters similar to fits of hard state X-ray binaries describe both the X-ray and broadband (radio/optical) spectra. The HETGS spectra we present here offer an unprecedented view of the inner workings of a low-luminosity accretion flow, and thus can quantitatively constrain theoretical accretion flow models of LLAGNs such as M81*.

Line Variability in the High‐Resolution X‐Ray Spectrum of MCG −6‐30‐15

The recent 540 ks Chandra HETGS spectrum of the well-studied, variable active galactic nucleus (AGN) MCG -6-30-15 shows strong 1s-2p absorption lines from many ions. The spectrum was obtained over a period of about 10 days, and the large number of counts in the spectrum makes it ideal for testing variability on short timescales. We apply quantitative tests for line variability to the 1s-2p absorption lines of H- and He-like Ne, Mg, Si, and S. We find significant correlations and anticorrelations between lines as a function of time, much as we would expect if ionization levels in the absorber were varying. We also find evidence for variation in at least one 1s-2p resonance absorption line as a function of luminosity. We consider several possibilities to explain the line variation. First we consider factors that could change ionization levels in the absorber: radial motion, density variation, luminosity variation, and continuum shape variation. None of these individually can explain the line variation, although we cannot completely constrain continuum shape variation without simultaneous knowledge of the ultraviolet (UV) continuum. Other factors, considered individually, are also unable to explain all the variation: multiple changing continuum components, variable obscuration, and changes in velocity dispersion. Changes in line emission are an unlikely cause of significant variation in absorption-line measurements, but we are unable to fully constrain them. Variability could be due to a changing line of sight through a structured absorber. Modeling such scenarios should produce useful constraints on continuum emission mechanisms and absorber structure.

X‐Ray Spectral Study of the Photoionized Stellar Wind in Vela X‐1

We present results from quantitative modeling and spectral analysis of the high-mass X-ray binary system Vela X-1 obtained with the Chandra HETGS. The spectra exhibit emission lines from H- and He-like ions driven by photoionization, as well as fluorescent emission lines from several elements in lower charge states. The properties of these X-ray lines are measured with the highest accuracy to date. In order to interpret and make full use of the data, we have developed a simulator, which calculates the ionization structure of a stellar wind and performs Monte Carlo simulations of X-ray photons propagating through the wind. From comparisons of the observed spectra with results from the simulator, we are able to find the ionization structure and the geometrical distribution of material in the stellar wind that can reproduce the observed spectral line intensities and continuum shapes remarkably well. We find that the stellar wind profile can be represented by a CAK model with a star mass-loss rate of (1.5-2.0) × 10-6 M☉ yr-1, assuming a terminal velocity of 1100 km s-1. It is found that a large fraction of emission lines from highly ionized ions are formed in the region between the neutron star and the companion star. We also find that the fluorescent lines must be produced in at least three distinct regions: the extended stellar wind, reflection off the stellar photosphere, and in a distribution of dense material partially covering and possibly trailing the neutron star, which may be associated with an accretion wake. Finally, from detailed analysis of the emission-line profiles, we demonstrate that the stellar wind dynamics is affected by X-ray photoionization.

Measurements and Analysis of Helium‐like Triplet Ratios in the X‐Ray Spectra of O‐Type Stars

We discuss new methods of measuring and interpreting the forbidden-to-intercombination line ratios of helium-like triplets in the X-ray spectra of O-type stars, including accounting for the spatial distribution of the X-ray-emitting plasma and using the detailed photospheric UV spectrum. Measurements are made for four O stars using archival Chandra HETGS data. We assume an X-ray-emitting plasma spatially distributed in the wind above some minimum radius R0. We find minimum radii of formation typically in the range of 1.25 < R0/R* < 1.67, which is consistent with results obtained independently from line profile fits. We find no evidence for anomalously low f/i ratios, and we do not require the existence of X-ray-emitting plasmas at radii that are too small to generate sufficiently strong shocks.

X-ray accretion signatures in the close CTTS binary V4046 Sagittarii

We present Chandra HETGS observations of the classical T Tauri star (CTTS) V4046 Sgr. The He-like triplets of O VII, Ne IX, and Si XIII are clearly detected. Similar to the CTTS TW Hya and BP Tau, the forbidden lines of O VII and Ne IX are weak compared to the intercombination line, indicating high plasma densities in the X-ray emitting regions. The Si XIII triplet, however, is within the low-density limit, in agreement with the predictions of the accretion funnel infall model with an additional stellar corona. V4046 Sgr is the first close binary exhibiting these features. Together with previous high-resolution X-ray data on TW Hya and BP Tau, and in contrast to T Tau, now three out of four CTTS show evidence of accretion funnels.

Capella Corona Revisited: A Combined View fromXMM‐NewtonRGS andChandraHETGS and LETGS

We present a combined analysis of the X-ray emission of the Capella corona obtained with XMM-Newton RGS and Chandra HETGS and LETGS. An improved atomic line database and a new differential emission measure (DEM) deconvolution method are developed for this purpose. Our new atomic database is based on the Astrophysical Plasma Emission Database and incorporates improved calculations of ionization equilibrium and line emissivities for L-shell ions of abundant elements using the Flexible Atomic Code. The new DEM deconvolution method uses a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique that differs from existing MCMC or χ2-fitting-based methods. We analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each individual instrument in determining the DEM and elemental abundances. We conclude that results from either RGS or HETGS data alone are not robust enough due to their failure to constrain the DEM in some temperature region or the lack of significant continuum emission in the wavelength band of the spectrometers, and that the combination of HETGS and RGS produces more stringent constraints on the DEM and abundance determinations. Using the LETGS data, we show that the recently discovered inconsistencies between the EUV and X-ray lines of Fe XVIII and XIX also exist in more highly charged iron ions, up to Fe XXIII, and that enhanced interstellar absorption due to partially ionized plasma along the Capella line of sight may explain some, but not all, of these discrepancies.

SimultaneousChandraandRXTESpectroscopy of the Microquasar H1743−322: Clues to Disk Wind and Jet Formation from a Variable Ionized Outflow

We observed the bright phase of the 2003 outburst of the Galactic black hole candidate H1743-322 in X-rays simultaneously with Chandra and RXTE on four occasions. The Chandra HETGS spectra reveal narrow, variable (He-like) Fe XXV and (H-like) Fe XXVI resonance absorption lines. In the first observation, the Fe XXVI line has a FWHM of 1800 ± 400 km s-1 and a blueshift of 700 ± 200 km s-1, suggesting that the highly ionized medium is an outflow. Moreover, the Fe XXV line is observed to vary significantly on a timescale of a few hundred seconds in the first observation, which corresponds to the Keplerian orbital period at approximately 104rg (where rg = GM/c2). Our models for the absorption geometry suggest that a combination of changing ionizing flux and geometric effects are required to account for the large changes in line flux observed between observations and that the absorption likely occurs at a radius between 102rg and 104rg for a 10 M☉ black hole. We suggest that the absorption occurs in an inhomogeneous accretion disk wind. If the wind in H1743-322 has unity filling factor, the highest implied mass outflow rate is 5% of the Eddington mass accretion rate. The observed wind may be a hotter, more ionized version of the Seyfert-like, outflowing warm absorber geometries recently found in the Galactic black holes GX 339-4 and XTE J1650-500. We discuss these findings in the context of ionized Fe absorption lines found in the spectra of other Galactic sources, and connections to warm absorbers, winds and jets in other accreting systems.

AnXMM‐NewtonStudy of the Coronae of σ2Coronae Borealis

We present results of XMM-Newton Guaranteed Time observations of the RS CVn binary σ2 Coronae Borealis. The spectra obtained with the Reflection Grating Spectrometers and the European Photon Imaging Camera MOS2 were simultaneously fitted with collisional ionization equilibrium plasma models to determine coronal abundances of various elements. Contrary to the solar first ionization potential (FIP) effect, in which elements with a low FIP are overabundant in the corona compared to the solar photosphere, and contrary to the inverse FIP effect observed in several active RS CVn binaries, coronal abundance ratios in σ2 CrB show a complex pattern, as supported by similar findings in the Chandra HETGS analysis of σ2 CrB with a different methodology by Osten and coworkers in 2003. Low-FIP elements (<10 eV) have abundance ratios relative to Fe that are consistent with the solar photospheric ratios, whereas high-FIP elements have abundance ratios that increase with increasing FIP. We find that the coronal Fe abundance is consistent with the stellar photospheric value, indicating that there is no metal depletion in σ2 CrB. However, we obtain a higher Fe absolute abundance than Osten and coworkers did. Except for Ar and S, our absolute abundances are about 1.5 times larger than those reported by Osten and coworkers. However, a comparison of their model with our XMM-Newton data (and vice versa) shows that both models work adequately in general. We find, therefore, no preference for one methodology over the other for deriving coronal abundances. Despite the systematic discrepancy in absolute abundances, our abundance ratios are very close to those obtained by Osten and coworkers. Finally, we confirm the measurement of a low density in O VII (<4 × 1010 cm-3) but could not confirm the higher densities measured in spectral lines formed at higher temperatures that were derived by other studies of σ2 CrB due to the lower spectral resolution of the XMM-Newton grating spectrometers.