We propose a survey of RGS observations of bright X-ray binaries in thewavelength range between 14 and 25 A in order to measure optical depthsof photo-electric absorption edges of Ne, Fe, O, and possibly N and determineprecise values for column densities. We will also model the structureof observed edges and compare them with most recent laboratory measurements.From the measurement of the equivalent widths of the 1s-2p absorption ofmono-atomic oxygen in the ISM and the measurement of the O K edge depthwe can conclude on the distribution of oxygen in the ISM and/or determinesource intrinsic absorption properties. The relative strengths of allmeasured edges will be used to test proposed abundance distributions for the ISM
Instrument
EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-21T20:21:23Z/2003-04-22T03:22:54Z
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 Norbert S. Schulz, 2004, 'Soft X-ray Absorption Edges in LMXBs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dglndkd
