We propose an XMM-Newton observation of the hot gas in the Galactic halo. The bright emission lines and complexes recorded by XMM-Newton will reveal the ionization history of the gas and tightly constrain halo models.Furthermore, the XMM-Newton spectrum will be combined with the O VI intensity recorded in an existing FUSE observation of the same direction. The combination will reveal the three dominant ionization levels of oxygen in hot plasma, and so enable the first measurement of the abundance of oxygen in the hot phase of the interstellar medium.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-11-26T14:45:30Z/2002-11-27T07:24:39Z
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 Robin Shelton, 2004, 'Soft X-Ray Observations of the Galactic halo', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-94tors6
