We propose a 30 ksec XMM-Newton observation of very enigmatic diffuse structureat 1.5 degree south from the Galactic center. We first discovered this structurewith ROSAT. Then with ASCA, we found that the spectrum exhibits thin thermalemission accompanied with a hard tail which may be nonthermal radiation fromhigh energy electrons. These results imply presence of a strong shock in thisregion, possibly due to a jet from Sgr A*, which was active in the past 10^4years ago. With the observation of XMM-Newton, we obtain the richest statisticsever achieved. Then we will reveal the shock front from the image, and verifythe origin from the temperature and the brightness distribution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-09-18T08:50:40Z/2005-09-18T17:41:00Z
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 Hiroshi Murakami, 2006, 'New evidence of the past activity in the Galactic center region', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-siczahc
