We propose to observe the bright X-ray source Cyg X-2 as an ideal candidate tostudy the chemistry of the diffuse Interstellar Medium (ISM). We will study thetwo phases of ISM (gas and dust) through spectroscopy of the absorbed spectrumand the spectral and spatial analysis of the X-ray dust scattering halo. Thestudy of the scattering halo of Cyg X-2 unveiled for the first time featuresfrom the ID constituents. To perform a quantitative measurement of the chemistryof the Interstellar Dust (ID) grains a large collective area, a large field ofview, and a broad band coverage, like the one provided by XMM, is needed.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-06-14T13:49:56Z/2005-06-14T22:40:05Z
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 Elisa Costantini, 2006, 'The chemistry of interstellar dust through the scattering halo of Cyg X-2', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fhcnfq5
