We propose a set of 4, 15 ksec observations of the galactic black holecandidate, GX 339-4. These observations are to be performed simultaneouslywith a set of 4, 40 ksec RXTE observations, applied for in RXTE Cycle 7.Our goals are to correlate temporal and spectral properties. The specificgoals of the XMM-Newton observations are to better resolve the Fe line/edgeregion, better resolve the soft spectrum, < 3 keV, i.e. the source ofseed photons in Comptonization models, and to obtain high resolutionspectra, to model interstellar absorption, intrinsic abundances, and tosearch for evidence of an X-ray heated atmosphere. When possible, simultaneous optical and radio observations will be performed.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-03-08T17:50:10Z/2003-03-20T06:07:48Z
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 Nowak, 2005, 'XMM/RXTE Observations of GX 339-4', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-md862no
