We propose three 60virgulks XMM-Newton EPIC observations spread throughout Cycle 3 tostudy the spectral/temporal properties of two exceptional variable X-ray sourcesin the spiral galaxy NGCvirgul1365: the Seyfert 1.8 nucleus and the extra- nuclearultra-luminous X-ray source (ULX) detected with ASCA at luminosities surpassing10E40 ergs/s. The proposed observations will be crucial for understanding thephysics of the AGN emission and of the Compton-thick/-thin transitions. Theobservations of the ULX will provide variability and spectral information thatwill help us to constrain the nature of this rare class of exceptionallyluminous sources, of which very little is known: intermediate mass black holes,less extreme beamed X-ray binaries, or microquasars.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-01-17T03:11:00Z/2004-07-25T01:46:53Z
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 GIUSEPPINA FABBIANO, 2005, 'SPECTRAL MONITORING OF NGCvirgul1365: NUCLEUS AND VARIABLE ULX', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-mcpx7dv
