GT- The Ophiuchus molecular cloud at a distance of 170 pc is located near thecentre of the Loop I superbubble, which is filled with hot gas of a few millionK. The large absorbing column of 10^{22} cm^{-2} will cast a deep shadow up toenergies of 1.5 keV. Ongoing dynamical processes (stellar winds, supernovae)within Loop I may lead to a non-equilibirum plasma state, which we can determineby the study of line ratios between 0.3 - 2.0 keV. We will perform on- andoff-cloud observations in order to distinguish between fore- and backgroundspectra. Three adjacent pointings of 15 ksec will cover the steepest gradient inX-ray brightness. In combination with the Aquila Rift proposal it is possible toisolate the X-ray spectrum of the hot gas produced by the Sco-Cen association.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-09-09T11:57:12Z/2002-02-24T17:48:18Z
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 Bernd Aschenbach, 2003, 'A Study of the Loop I bubble by X-ray shodows of the Ophiuchus molecular cloud', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-97iqwzz
