A microquasar, V4641 Sgr is a new class of black hole binaries which experiencedan unprecedented short luminous outburst on 1999 September. This object hasreceived much attention of numerous astronomers since any existing models forordinary X-ray transients apparently fail to explain this outburst. It is furthermore suggested that we have overlooked a number of such fast X-raynovae. Here we propose XMM-Newton observations of V4641 Sgr to determine thequiescent X-ray luminosity. We will compare the observed luminosity with thosepredicted by proposed outburst models to construct a model for the fast X-raynova. XMM-Newton which has the unprecedentedly high sensitivity is the currently unique satellite to measure the expected faint X-ray flux at quiescence.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-12T22:09:05Z/2003-04-13T11:44:22Z
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, Mr Makoto Uemura, 2004, 'X-ray Study of the Mass Accretion Process in the Fast X-ray Nova comma V4641 Sgr', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-952un2n
