Radio jets have been recently discovered from the massive X-raybinary LS 5039/ RX J1826.2-1450 qualifying the source as one ofthe nearest micro-quasar. A strong unresolved iron emission lineis seen in the RXTE PCA observations. We propose to obtain amedium resolution EPIC spectrum of this iron line complex andsearch for other emission lines at lower energies. The intensityand width of the line components and the possible presence ofedges will bring information on the physical conditions in thesource and on the surrounding cold material. We shall also searchfor blue and red shifted components as seen in SS 433.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-03-08T07:28:05Z/2003-03-27T23:50:52Z
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 Christian Motch, 2004, 'The emission line spectrum of the micro-quasar LS 5039', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rm1amdg
