The X-ray emission from the bulges of Sa galaxies consists of a hard 5-10 keVcomponent, generally attributed to low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) and a soft0.3 keV component of unknown origin. It is possible that the soft emission isfrom a warm ISM. However, we suggest that the soft emission also results fromLMXBs. XMM will be able to resolve the soft emission into point sources, anddetermine the spectral properties of the brighter LMXBs. If Sa bulges arelacking an ISM, this implies that galactic winds have driven the gas lost fromstars out of the galaxy. We propose an XMM observation of the bright, nearby Sagalaxy NGC3623. Since the L_X/L_B value of NGC3623 is a factor of 1.5 less thanthe Sa galaxy NGC1291, this would also imply there is not a universal stellar .
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-05-22T09:32:45Z/2002-05-22T20:15:36Z
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 Jimmy Irwin, 2003, 'The Nature of the X-ray Emission in Sa Bulges', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9477pkb
