GT- To investigate the origin of the Local Bubble (LB) and, specifically, the state of excitation of the plasma, we propose a detailed spectralstudy of the X-ray emission in front of and at the edge of the molecular cloud MBM 12. In order to isolate the foreground diffuse emission from thebackground, we will perform on- and off-target observations. For MBM 12 with its high N(H)+2N(H_2), soft X-ray emission below 1 keV is efficiently blocked off. The spectral resolution of EPIC pn is sufficient to quantifythe relative intensities of several line complexes in this energy range. Thus we can discriminate between an equilibrium and non-equilibrium plasma. Moreover, possible 3/4-keV-emission from inside the LB will be detectable.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-02-05T15:10:39Z/2001-02-05T23:32:30Z
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 Bernd Aschenbach, 2002, 'Spectral Study of the Local Bubble by Shadowing the Molecular Cloud MBM 12', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hkwnrto
