Recent analysis of all INTEGRAL Galactic bulge observations performed so far haslead to the detection of a new population of persistent sources, which arecharacterised by their hard X-ray emission. In order to understand theirproperties, and more importantly distinguish between different models (obscuredhigh mass systems or low luminosity LMXBs) follow-up observations in the softX-ray regime are needed. By determining the absorption column, the presence ofemission lines and variability on virgul1 hr timescales we will be able todistinguish between the proposed models, and constrain the evolution of thesesystems. We will also obtain improved positions for follow ups in other wavebands.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-03-01T20:00:00Z/2006-04-04T19:54:56Z
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 Antony Bird, 2007, 'The nature of persistent INTEGRAL sources in our Galaxy', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-8qbwqhg
