We propose observations of two prominent knots in the Puppis A supernova remnantusing the XMM gratings. These knots are comparable in extent to sources thathave been successfully observed with the RGS, and have relatively high surfacebrightness compared to their surroundings. They are believed to be interstellarclouds in different density environments that are interacting with the remnant.sforward shock. Puppis A.s rich O, Ne, and Fe emission line spectrum iswell-matched to the bandpass of the XMM gratings. High resolution spectra arethe only way to directly measure line fluxes that would provide importantdiagnostics of the nonequilibrium ionization state of each element, and theirrelative abundances, including signatures of possible enrichment by the ejecta.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-17T07:20:12Z/2003-06-25T22:19:08Z
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 Una Hwang, 2004, 'High Resolution Spectroscopy of Knots in the Puppis A Supernova Remnant', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-f2rhjhc
