GT-The defining property of a black hole is its event horizon through whichmatter and energy can rain in, but from which nothing can escape. Proof ofthe existence of event horizons is a foremost goal of astrophysics. However,the goal is an extraordinary challenge since no photon can reach us from thehorizon. We propose to establish the reality of event horizons bycomparing in quiescent X-ray novae the behaviour of accreting black holes tothe behaviour of accreting neutron stars. A by-product of this study will bea handle on the processes that transport angular momentum in accretion discs.Guided by earlier work and a new paradigm for accretion - the ADAFmodel - we propose to observe A0620-00 and GRO J1655-40.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-08-29T23:34:13Z/2002-03-19T02:27:30Z
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, 'Black hole soft X-ray transients in quiescence SSC_11', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zm9ri10
