We plan to observe the young supernova remnant Cas A to verify the capabilityof the RGS to analyse spatially extended sources. We will focus upon the weternpart of the remnant, which shows a spectrum that differs significantly from theother parts of the remnant. In particular we will study the relationship betweenthe thermal and nonthermal components in this part of the remant. We will studythe spectrum as a function of the distance from the shock fromt using the cross-dispersion direction information. Apart from assessing the ratio of thermal tonon-thermal flux, we also will study the distribution of temperature, ionisationstages, abundances and Doppler broadening across the shock front.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-07-25T00:51:47Z/2000-07-27T18:53:50Z
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 Albert Brinkman, 2001, 'High Resolution Spectroscopy of the young supernova remnant Cas A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-uzn9yib
