Ultra-Luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) may represent 30-100 solar-mass accretingblack holes -- extremely important if true, but highly controversial. We proposehere multiple XMM-Newton observations of the nearby spiral galaxy ICvirgul342, whichharbors two of the most luminous and best studied ULXs, in order to characterizehow the ULX spectra evolve as a function of luminosity. Comparing this with thebehavior of the stellar mass accreting black holes in our Galaxy will establish(or refute) the high mass black hole scenario for ULX.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-02-20T06:30:24Z/2005-02-11T00:04:17Z
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 AYA KUBOTA, 2006, 'SPECTRAL EVOLUTION OF THE BEST STUDIED ULXS IN IC342', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kkqc80b
