GT-The time variability of 3C 273 is to be studied overthe first two years of XMM by repeated 5 ks observations(8 observations with 40 ks total, to be scheduled accordingto the visibility of the source). XMM is capable of observing the soft and the hard X-ray spectral components simultaneously thereby allowing to study the variability of the spectrum and its features, e.g that of the soft excess.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-12-16T15:35:23Z/2003-12-14T22:57:30Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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, 2005, 'Spectral Variability of 3C 273', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-t2b2sfc
