We propose to observe the Northern Middle Lobe (NML) of the nearby radio galaxyCentaurus A with XMM-Newton for 40 ks. A 15 . long X-ray filament near the SEedge of the NML was seen by Einstein, ASCA, and ROSAT, but its origin isunclear. We will us the imaging and spectroscopic capabilities of XMM to map themorphology of this emission, determine whether this emission is thermal ornon-thermal, and constrain temperatures or power-law indicies to 10% in severalsubregions/knots. Cen A is the only radio galaxy for which X-ray emission hasbeen detected from multiple jets/lobes on the same side of the nucleus. This,combined with its proximity, permit us to make this unique study of jets and thejet/ISM interaction.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-02-02T18:04:24Z/2006-02-03T05:43:35Z
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 Ralph Kraft, 2007, 'An XMM/Newton Study of X-ray Emission from the Northern Middle Lobe of Cen A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hdp73ky
