X-rays have been detected from ..Class I. protostars, which are understood from IR and mm data to be evolved protostars at the end of the accretion phase, when the central star is essentially formed (age virgul 10E5 yrs). We propose to move one step closer to star formation by observing ..Class 0. protostars, which are at a much earlier stage (age virgul10E4 yrs). We select a sample of 5 protostars for which the extinction is known to be moderate (Av virgul 100). Since X-rays probe the innermost regions of protostars, we hope to gain insight for the first time into the nature of the central object, before it becomes a ..real. star.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-18T09:16:38Z/2003-10-23T07:29:39Z
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, Dr Thierry Montmerle, 2004, 'X-rays from protostars: the next step', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cz9z83r
