GT- XMM opens a new regime for X-ray spectroscopy: absorption. Absorptionspectroscopy allows the study of .dark. objects in X-rays. X-rays provide uniqueprobes of such objects, including galaxies and protogalaxies. Until now X-ray spectroscopy has been dominated by emission line studies (in clusters of galaxies, stars and supernova remnants). However there have beenmany tantalizing results from ROSAT and ASCA that show absorption spectroscopyhas great potential. The large effective area of XMM makes this spectroscopyfeasible for a wide range of objects. This proposal takes a first look atseveral of these.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-06-23T03:46:25Z/2002-02-10T09:50:05Z
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 Michael Watson, 2003, 'Absorption by Galaxies comma Protogalaxies comma Outflows and Jets SSC_8', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-d90ltt9
