We propose to observe Cen A for 35 ksec to study the active and normal aspectsof this massive elliptical. By its proximity and mass, Cen A presents uniqueopportunities, not only to study the central AGN and its jet, but to investigatethe properties of galactic X-ray sources and the faint, hot gas corona in anelliptical. Detailed RGS spectroscopy of the X-ray nucleus and jet willdetermine if the emission from the jet is thermal or synchrotron dominated. Wewill measure the density, temperature and abundance of the hot corona and, so long as the corona is in hydrostatic equilibrium, use these measurements todetermine the galaxy mass. We also will measure, for the first time, spectral and timing characteristics for the brighter galactic sources in an elliptical.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-02-02T07:47:13Z/2002-02-06T18:24:26Z
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 Stephen Murray, 2005, 'Centarus A - Source Populations in the Nearest Bright Elliptical', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-glb3nbq
