The galactic superluminal motion sources GRS 1915+105 and GRO J1655-40are thought to be binary systems containing a stellar-size (7-30 M_sun)black hole. Yet, they show distinctly different X-ray properties duringtheir active states than usual black hole transients. We propose to observethese sources with XMM to search for clues regarding the origin ofrelativistic jets, to probe the properties of the compact object, andto understand the various spectral components and their evolution asthe sources journey through different accretion states. The brightness ofthese objects allows only RGS and EPIC PN burst mode observations.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-10T13:44:31Z/2005-03-16T20:24:37Z
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, 2006, 'XMM X-ray Spectroscopy of Microquasars During Their X-Ray.. SSC_10', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fjy6dhm
