The dominant features of the diffuse soft X-ray background (SXRB) at 0.75 keVare associated with the Galactic bulge and Loop I. The available spectral datafrom this diffuse flux have very poor signal to noise and are confused withother sources. XMM provides a unique opportunity to gather high resolution (CCD) spectra with good statistics from the galactic SXRB without confusion.Mapping spectral line differences as a function of Galactic coordinates willhelp elucidate the origin, state and structure of the diffuse, hot material.The results will be invaluable in the interpretation of the diffuse backgroundseen in many XMM target fields.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-02-28T13:35:38Z/2001-03-21T21:29:42Z
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 Richard Willingale, 2002, 'Mapping spectral lines from the diffuse Galactic soft X-ray background', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-36klzh2
