GT-We will make long observations of the core of M31, and of two fields alongthe major axis to the south, in order to study its X-ray source populations, inparticular the X-ray binary content of the galaxy. The observations will providea census of a large fraction of the binary population. The XMM data will allow avariety of issues to be addressed, including, e.g., the star formation historyof M31. The factor >10 increase in sensitivity compared to the ROSATobservations, coupled with hard band coverage, will produce superb data for asignificant fraction of the already known M31 sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-06-25T06:46:13Z/2002-01-25T10:24:33Z
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, 2003, 'The XMM Census of M31 SSC_25', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-p4w1pm0
