The nature of the Galactic diffuse X-ray background (DXB) at low latitudes hasbeen elusive. The ROSAT-detections of the X-ray shadows cast by distantmolecular clouds (dvirgul3 kpc) reveal the existence of a Galactic X-ray bulge (GXB)in addition to the ..foreground. emission to the clouds. As a continuation ofthe DXB study of these multiple Galactic components beyond the capabilities ofROSAT and ASCA, we propose XMM-Newton observations for the uniquely selectedtargets of the X-ray shadows. The proposed observations will provide thebest-ever opportunity for the study of the spectral nature of the multiplecomponents of the Galactic DXB in the plane along the lines of sight.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-05T09:04:32Z/2003-10-15T20:19:17Z
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 Sangwook Park, 2004, 'Exploring the Nature of the Galactic X-Ray Background in the Plane', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rkft6qy
