We have started a project aimed at measuring the ISM enrichment in a starburstepisode, by comparing IR-derived stellar metallicities with X-ray derivedgaseous ones. First results obtained from archival XMM data are promising, butare severely hampered by low statistics and leave several issues still unsolved.We propose to use the RGS onboard XMM to obtain high quality X-ray spectra ofthe starburst galaxy NGC3256, in order to derive hot gas abundances and tracingthe ISM enrichment from the last burst of star formation. We also propose toobtain VLT-ISAAC IR spectra to measure the stellar abundances of NGC3256 and theISM enrichment prior to the last burst of star formation.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-12-06T20:11:52Z/2005-12-08T11:00:58Z
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 Piero Ranalli, 2007, 'Gaseous abundances in NGC3256', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2xp80s9
