We propose to carry out a large (550 ks) XMM-Newton monitoring program of SgrA ^* , the radiative manifestation of the putative massive black hole at thegalactic center, to study in detail the broad band spectrum and timingproperties of the source during its X-ray flaring activity. The program will beperformed in coordination with INTEGRAL gamma-ray observations of the galacticcenter and with observations at lower frequencies. Although the galactic nucleushosts the nearest and probably best studied massive black hole its physical andradiative properties and in particular its low level of high energy emission arestill little understood. The discovery of bright X-ray flares from SgrvirgulA* withChandra and XMM-Newton
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-03-28T15:03:52Z/2004-09-03T16:35:35Z
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 ANDREA GOLDWURM, 2006, 'UNDERSTANDING THE HIGH ENERGY FLARING ACTIVITY OF THE GALACTIC NUCLEUS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-k7eg6by
