We propose to observe the bright X-ray source GX 9+1 as the optimal candidate tostudy the chemistry of silicates in the vicinity of the galactic center. We willstudy the two phases of ISM (gas and dust) through the spectroscopy of theabsorbed spectrum, and the spectral and spatial analysis of the X-ray dustscattering halo, with particular emphasis on the Mg and Si features. Thisapproach has been successful for another XMM-Newton target (Cyg X-2, Costantiniet al. 2005), unveiling, for the first time, features from the interstellar dustconstituents. To perform a quantitative study of the chemistry of theinterstellar dust grains, a large collecting area, a large field of view, and abroad band coverage, as provided by XMM-Newton, are essential.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-09-24T15:48:32Z/2006-09-24T19:10:25Z
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, 2007, 'Interstellar dust silicates unveiled through the scattering halo of GX9+1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lms9xle
