Energy-time maps of Mkn 766 and NGC 3516 show hotspots traversing arcs of theirorbit within the accretion disk and represent the first direct detection of theorbital motions of material around supermassive black holes. This proposal aimsto make a detailed study of the hotspot orbits and lifetimes. It should also bepossible to make Doppler-tomography maps for Mkn766, based on early attemptsfrom the existing data. This spectacular new area of science, one within reachof XMM, offers amazing insight into supermassive black hole systems, yet hasbarely been touched upon to date. Here we show spectacular new resultsconfirming the hotspot origin for energy-shifted Fe lines and demonstrating theurgent need for long XMM observations of Mkn 766 and NGC 3516.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-05-23T19:15:52Z/2005-06-03T23:30:16Z
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 Tracey Jane Turner, 2006, 'Trails of Hotspots from the Accretion Disks of Mkn 766 and NGC 3516', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wl3xz5n
