We propose a 100ksec XMM/EPIC observation of one of the brightest nearby ULX,which resides in the galaxy Holmberg II (UGC 4305). This observation will allowus to measure the shape of the fluctuation power density spectrum (PDS) for thissource. Comparison of the measured PDS shape and break-frequency with thoseobtained from stellar-mass galactic black hole binary systems and AGN, willallow us to determine unambiguously whether this ULX is simply a high luminosityextra-galactic analogue of galactic black hole binary systems, but withanisotropic X-ray emission, or more intriguingly the first known representativeof the so-called ..missing class. of intermediate-mass black holes, with a massin the range 100 - 10000 solar masses.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-04-15T20:08:43Z/2004-04-17T01:13:20Z
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 GOAD, 2005, 'DOES THE HOLMBERG II ULX HARBOUR AN INTERMEDIATE MASS BLACK HOLEquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-672h3cc
