GT-We propose to use XMM to trace the distribution of 0.1-10 keV X-ray emissionin a region of the Galactic plane (near l=20, b=0) where the narrow component ofGalactic X-ray Ridge is evident as a bright feature. The observationalobjectives are to resolve at faint levels the various discrete sourcepopulations (stars, XRB, SNR, CVs) which may contribute to the Ridge whilstsimultaneously mapping any underlying distribution of hot diffuse gas. Theseobservations should provide the answer to the question of whether the GalacticX-ray Ridge is simply due to the summed emission of point sources or representsa substantial and very hot (kT virgul 6 keV) component of the ISM.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-09-16T00:55:00Z/2002-09-17T08:19:23Z
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 Michael Watson, 2003, 'The Nature of The Galactic X-ray Ridge SSC_39', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lb3d3z6
