Theoretical predictions for the number of INSs in the ROSAT All-Sky Survey,>10^2, dwarf the group of seven identified to date, at least partly becausesource confusion in the PSPC error circles has made counterpart identification/exclusion difficult. We have developed a novel statistical technique to quantifywhich RASS sources are least likely to be represented by a counterpart in thelatest optical or radio source catalogs. Short XMM observations of these sourceswill provide us with arcsecond positions to confirm the absence of brightcounterparts and enable follow-up observations, and give us >1000-count X-rayspectra which may suggest the source nature. By this means we hope to discovernew INSs in bulk and, potentially, other high Lx/Lopt source classes as well.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-10-10T09:40:04Z/2003-10-16T15:15:42Z
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 Derek Fox, 2004, 'The Highest L_x/L_opt Sources in the ROSAT All-Sky Survey', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-niqhg09
