We request 132 ks of GT to carry out observations of 6 close comets. Thesuperior sensitivity, spectral and imaging capabilities of XMM are well suitedto solving the problem of cometary X-ray production, whose emission mechanism(s)is(are) unknown at this time. Six comets have been chosen to provide arepresentative sample. The observations will be complemented by amultiwavelength observational campaign. Ths comets have been chosen according toactivity, heliocentric distance and elongation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-06-27T03:33:47Z/2005-02-09T01:44:59Z
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 Fred Jansen XMM-Newton PS, 2006, 'High resolution X-ray observations of comets', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3na5p82
