BSAX and BATSE/XTE were able to localize about 20 Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs).For 13of these X-ray afterglows have been detected. The observed X-ray counterpartsgenerally fade rapidly and monotonically with time, following a power-law withan average index of 1.3. The only exception is GRB980425. This event is positio-nally and temporally consistent with the Type Ic supernova SN 1998bw exploded inthe nearby galaxy ESO 184-G82 (z=0.0085). This has raised the hypothesis that aclass of GRBs are produced by supernovae. Two weak sources were discovered inthe X-ray error circle by the follow-up BSAX observations but neither of the twofollows the classical power-law afterglow behavior. The aim of the proposed XMMobserv. is to study the spatial and spectral properties of these two sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-03-28T13:53:34Z/2002-03-28T20:10:38Z
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 Elena Pian, 2003, 'The Unique Case of the Supernova/GRB Event of 25 April 1998', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zwrfi2m
