X-ray pulsations of massive stars: XMM opens a new door to stellar physics

With 355 ks of XMM time we propose to cardinally advance our knowledge of Xraysfrom beta Cep variables. This important class of massive stars provides theunique opportunity to study connections between photosphere and wind. This studyis prerequisite to build up models, where the stellar atmosphere and interiorare treated consistently. We propose to double the sample of stars with knownXray pulsational behavior allowing to unravel the mechanisms coupling the innerand outer layers of star. We also propose to conduct the dedicated survey ofbeta Cep variables to find the correlations between Xray and stellarproperties. The new XMM data will bridge between asteroseismology and thephysics of stellar winds, and revolutionize our understanding of massive stars. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]