An extended X-ray emission from the eastern radio lobe of Pictor A wasdiscovered in AO1. The X-ray spectrum is well described by both a thermal and anon-thermal model.The X-ray emission could be produced by circum-galactic gasshocked by the supersonic expanding radio lobe or, alternatively,by IC of CMBphotons by relativistic electrons in the lobe.If the X-ray emission isnon-thermal,the magnetic field in the lobe is estimated to be significativelylower than the equipartition value. We propose to re-observe Pictor A for 50ksec in order to:1)definitively establish the X-ray non-thermal/thermal natureof the radio lobe radiation and 2) check the equipartition assumption in theradio lobes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-01-14T04:26:32Z/2005-01-14T19:21:46Z
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 PAOLA GRANDI, 2006, 'INVESTIGATING THE X-RAY EMISSION FROM THE RADIO LOBES OF PICTOR A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-x4k03oe
