CAL- Observation of two regions of the Hyades at overlaping pointings will allowto measure the PSF of the same X-ray sources at different off-axis angles. Thesewill be used for the calibration of both the encircled energy function and theplate scale of the XMM telescope. Simulataneous observation with OM in the U andV filters will be used to measure the MSP (mirror support platform) to ESP(experiment support platform) alignment and the pointing stability of the XMMspacecraft.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-03-15T09:37:17Z/2000-03-16T09:15:04Z
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 Fred Jansen XMM-Newton PS, 2002, 'Calibration of mirror plate scale and S/C alignment from Hyades observations', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-63fyfu9
