Using four carefully distributed pointings, we propose to observe the soft-Xrayspectrum of the diffuse component of the Milky Way bulge through Baade.s window,i.e. nearly through the galactic center, and at two higher-z positions. Theforeground will be removed from these observations using a nearby pointingtowards a high-extinction region. We hope to use the bulge spectrum to: 1.Determine, with the aid of non-equilibrium modeling, the physical state of thegas at the base of the bulge, and how that state changes with distance from themid-plane. 2. Calculate the total diffuse soft X-ray emission from the bulge,to compare the Milky Way to the bulge of M101. 3. Determine the spectrum of theforeground emission that may be due to hot gas in the Sco-Cen bubble.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-09-13T09:52:34Z/2002-03-14T14:47:25Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Dr Steve Snowden, 2003, 'Three-quarter keV Observations of Baade.s Window and the Galactic Bulge', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ge4ish6
