We propose a 100ks observation of the nearby galaxy M51, which hosts nine ULXsand a low luminosity AGN. The primary purpose of our observation is to confirmthe periodicity of about 6000s from an ULX and iron line from another ULX inM51, as suggested by earlier short X-ray observations. The proposed 100ksobservation will decisively establish the presence of both periodicity and ironline, and enable us to make a detailed study of these features and to search forsimilar features in other ULXs. Our observations will also provide power densityspectra of ULXs, and enable us to detect possible presence of breaks at certainfrequencies that will directly establish if ULXs are intermediate mass blackholes. The single observation will yield a wealth of information on the nature of nine ULXs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-05-20T06:31:01Z/2006-05-24T23:48:10Z
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 Gulab Dewangan, 2007, 'XMM-Newton observation of M51: Confirming periodicity and iron line from ULXs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kxi58ab
