We propose to study with XMM-Newton EPIC the spectral/temporal properties of twoextraordinarily luminous ULXs (Ultra Luminous X-ray sources) detected with ROSATand ASCA in the nearby spiral galaxies NGC1365 and NGC2276. Their luminosities \texceed 10E40 erg/s. These observations will be crucial for constraining the \tproperties of this rare class of exceptionally luminous galaxian sources, of \twhich very little is known. Their nature is the object of vigorous scientific \tdebate, with candidates including a new class of intermediate mass black holes \t(100-1000Mo) and less extreme beamed X-ray binaries. To exclude that they may bedue to unresolved clumps of emission and to explore their immediate surroundingswe also propose complementary Chandra ACIS-S .snapshots. of the XMM targets.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-01-16T23:37:08Z/2003-08-13T03:29:29Z
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 Giuseppina Fabbiano, 2004, 'Spectral Monitoring Observations of Two Exceptionally Luminous ULXs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gsqtyqi
