We propose a very deep (100 ks) XMM-Newton observation of the Fornax DwarfSpheroidal galaxy. Our observational goal is to obtain X-ray colors or spectrafor X-ray sources down to a luminosity limit of virgul3x10^33 erg/s. This limit ismuch deeper than has been obtained in any previous X-ray survey of low massX-ray binary (LMXB) sources, and enables us to detect LMXBs in quiescence. Ourprimary science goal is to test models of LMXB formation and evolution bysearching for sources that should have formed in past star formation episodesand testing StarTrack binary synthesis codes. The Fornax Dwarf Spheroidal is anexcellent candidate for this study because its star formation history isrelatively well determined and it is nearby.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-08-09T07:04:49Z/2005-08-10T11:56:42Z
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 Andrea Prestwich, 2006, 'A Deep X-ray Observation of the Fornax Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zcmya10
