We propose to observe five X-ray faint galaxies with secure dynamical evidencefor the presence of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and previously detectedlow-luminosity nuclear X-ray emission. Our primary goal is to obtain and analyzeEPIC spectra of the nuclei in order to clarify the nature of the emissionmechanism and compare them with more luminous systems, with each other, and withtheoretical expectations. Our secondary goal is to study the thermal andchemical characteristics of hot gas in X-ray faint elliptical galaxies.Observations that are optimal for addressing these issues do not presentlyexist.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-10-10T08:45:02Z/2004-10-10T19:35:11Z
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 MICHAEL LOEWENSTEIN, 2005, 'X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF GAS-POOR GALAXIES WITH SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ktrc2pc
