We propose to complete our sensitive XMM-Newton survey of the grand-design Scdface-on spiral galaxy NGC 6946. This galaxy is remarkable due to its high starformation activity (e.g. the high number of recorded supernovae), its massivenorthern spiral arm and the .magnetic arms., located between the optical arms,possibly magnetic reconnection regions. Strong Faraday depolarization of thepolarized radio emission from the disc indicates an extended halo of ionized gasaround NGC 6946. We wish to use the XMM-Newton observations to disentangle andcharacterize the emission from X-ray point sources and extended hot gas from thedisc, the .magnetic arms. and the halo. The origin of the puzzlingultra-luminous emission complex MF16 will also be investigated.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-05-23T10:23:12Z/2006-06-18T14:30:55Z
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 Matthias Ehle, 2007, 'X-ray emission components of the grand-design spiral galaxy NGC 6946', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-p7iqr82
