GT- X-ray shadow experiments are important, because they help us to determinethe distribution of the X-ray plasma in our Galaxy. Recent results (Kerp et al.1997, Pietz et al. 1997) indicate that our Galaxy has an extended X-ray halo.This halo plasma accounts for the 1/4 keV as well as for the 3/4 keV backgroundradiation. The aim of this proposal is to improve our view of the X-ray backgr.Based on our experience with the ROSAT PSPC, we will use EPIC imaging spectra toderive the 3-D composition of X-ray mietting and absorbing matter distributedalong the line of sight by analysing X-ray colours and to determine whether theGalactic halo plasma or a steepening of the extragalactic power law causes theobserved increase in the background intensity towards lower photon energies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-08-19T22:37:08Z/2002-10-16T12:10:07Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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, 2003, 'X-ray shadow experiments with XMM', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wgocnx0
