GT-We propose to observe a sample of soft X-ray transients in order tounderstand the mechanism responsible for the quiescent emission. The differentproposed models include accretion (down to the ns surface or stopped at themagnetospheric radius), shock emission from a relativistic pulsar wind, thermalemission from a cooling ns.Detailed spectral information capable of discriminating among the above modelscan only be provided with EPIC for these weak sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-10-15T02:12:46Z/2002-10-27T03:35:19Z
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 Martin Turner, 2003, 'The Nature of Quiescent Emission from Soft X-ray Transients', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xmpr3cr
