GT- ROSAT-PSPC observations of normal edge-on spiral galaxies revealed theexistence of X-ray halos in a number of cases. Questions that need to beanswered are: (i) is the detected emission caused by an exceptionallyhigh star formation rate due to nuclear activity or due to tidalinteraction (ii) are X-ray halos a common phenomenon related to mass andenergy transfer between the disk and halo interface due to widespreadstar formation activity in the disk of normal spirals? We propose toaddress these issues with observations of a representative sample ofgalaxies, for which the available X-ray data are insufficient. A largesample of objects can be used to obtain better morphological information.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-04-13T04:44:04Z/2003-01-08T09:48:10Z
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, 2004, 'A detailed sample study of X-ray halos of spiral galaxies SSC_5', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s87aifq
