A search for X-ray emitting coronal structures in algol
Parmar, A. N.; White, N. E.; Culhane, J. L.; Kahn, S.; Blissett, R. J.; Kellen, B.
United Kingdom, Netherlands
Abstract
Algol was observed with the low energy imaging X-ray telescope and the medium energy detectors on the ESA EKOSAT spacecraft during the time of secondary optical eclipse when the B star passes in front of its K type companion. An examination of the X-ray light curves allows us to set preliminary lower limits to the size of an X-ray emitting corona associated with the K star. The medium energy detector indicates a continuum temperature of 24.3.106 K. The detection of Pe XVII and Pe XVIII emission lines in an objective grating spectrum of the source positively indicates the presence of hot coronal material.