Recent Chandra and XMM observations of the composite AGN/starburst galaxy NGC4945 detect a number of X-ray emission regions outside of the immediateenvironment of the AGN. In particular, extensive diffuse X-ray emission isassociated with the large-scale disk of the galaxy, a prominent superwindextends to the NW of the nucleus, and a number of ultraluminous X-ray sourcesare evident. We propose a deeper (60 ks) second-epoch XMM observation of NGC4945, focusing primarily on the non-nuclear X-ray emission. The objectives ofthe observation are (i) a spectral study of the extensive diffuse X-ray emission(ii) a spectro-imaging study of the X-ray superwind (iii) variability studies ofboth the AGN/starburst emission and the population of prominent X-ray point sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-01-10T18:28:35Z/2004-01-11T12:30:35Z
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 NICHOLAS SCHURCH, 2005, 'STUDYING THE FIVE SOURCES OF X-RAY EMISSION IN NGC 4945', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ldbiiae
