The X-ray knots in the SNR W50 are the sides of the terminalbraking of the relativistic jets of SS433 and present a uniquelaboratory to study the physical processes by which astrophysicaljets dispose their energy into the ISM.Previous X-ray missions could neither determine the naturenor did they allow a spatially resolved spectroscopy of theemission which is a direct indicator for the energy transfer mechanism.The XMM instruments ideally match the requirements for energyrange, extent, spatial resolution, and sensitivity for this object.We propose two 25 ks pointings with the PN camera as prime instrument covering most of the eastern jet. The requested observations will allow the detailed spatially resolved spectral study of the jet - ISM interaction region.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-09-30T01:14:51Z/2004-10-04T09:40:44Z
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 Wolfgang Brinkmann, 2005, 'The terminal braking of a relativistic jet: SS433', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-46pttj9
