Soft X-ray transient (SXT) behaviour is exhibited by both neutron-starand black-hole systems. While their outburst behaviour is verysimilar, the presence of an event horizon is believed to causesignificant differences in their quiescent properties. However,current results are equivocal and it is essential to observe moresystems with greater sensitivity. We therefore propose to observe 6 SXTs in quiescence, in order to quantify the luminosity difference between neutron-star/black-hole systems, so as to test the ADAF/ADIOS paradigm for accretion in quiescence.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-02-24T16:44:49Z/2001-02-25T02:10:39Z
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, Prof Phil Charles, 2002, 'Soft X-Ray Transients in quiescence', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-q0h1ji4
