We propose to establish the nature of the ultra-luminous X-ray sources (Lx greater than 4e39 erg/s). These may be a new type of accretingsystem, with the compact object mass approx 100 Msun -- an intermediate massblack hole. This is currently controversial and alternative models of a stellarmass black hole with beamed emission are also being championed. If they areintermediate mass black holes their origin may be primordial, or the result ofgalaxy or black hole mergers. We will use high S/N spectra, timing studies andX-ray/UV imaging to distinguish between the two scenarios. Only XMM-Newton withits large collecting area, long exposures and good PSF can obtain the timing andspectral data necessary to determine the nature of these objects.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-05-27T02:41:51Z/2003-05-27T14:25:53Z
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 Mark Cropper, 2004, 'The Nature of Ultra-Luminous Compact X-ray Sources', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ptpy6y7
