FWe propose an XMM observation on the giant molecular cloud Clump 2, located+3.0 degree from the Galactic center (GC). We will establish a new class ofX-ray sources, X-ray Reflection Nebula (XRN), following the first discovery ofthis class, the Sgr B2 cloud. The primary objective is to confirm that thestrong lines observed with ASCA are due to fluorescence from cold iron in thiscloud. Second, by applying the XRN concept to both Sgr B2 and Clump2, we givefurther constraint on the direction of an irradiating source, and revealpossible activity of the GC region in the past of < 1000 years. Furthermore,we obtain the chemical composition and mass of Clump 2, and investigate the GCenvironments.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-09-16T00:02:23Z/2001-09-16T05:56:01Z
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 Hiroshi Murakami, 2002, 'Clump 2: a new X-ray Reflection Nebula', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-m7z4rof
