The XMM-RGS has a unique capability for high resolution spectroscopy ofoptically thin cosmic plasma sources of limited angular extent (sources smallerthan 2 arcminutes). This capability is well matched to the typical angular sizesof a substantial number of SNRs in the LMC, enabling the disentanglement ofprominent unresolved line complexes present in the ASCA spectra. The two objectsselected here are part of a collaboration with the RGS consortium to performhigh resolution grating spectroscopy of the brightest SNRs in the LMC, whichencompass different ages and progenitor types. The source LHA 120-N63A is thesecond brightest X-ray SNR in the LMC (after N 132D), with an RGS count rate ofabout 5c/s, DEM L71 has an RGS count rate of 1 c/s.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-11-25T15:37:11Z/2001-04-03T00:38:29Z
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, Prof Johan Bleeker, 2003, 'High-resolution spectroscopy of selected bright SNRs in the LMC', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-0a8ct16
