CPV

Search for the X-ray signature of the dips of Complex Periodic Variables

01/03/2026 to 28/02/2027

The new class of objects known as CPVs is characterized by short dips in brightness that overlap with the typical modulation of star spots and are largely synchronized with the rotation of the star. The repetition of the dips at approximately the same rotation phase over many rotation cycles suggests that the dimming is caused by material co-rotating with the star. Various possible interpretations involve dust or gas clouds of different origins.
This project is focused on the analysis of an XMM-Newton observation. It represents the first targeted study of CPVs in X-ray light. With the first discovery of such dips in the X-ray band (independent of the physical origin of the dips), a new class of targets for XMM-Newton is being opened up, given that there are currently about 100 known CPVs.