The hot phase of the interstellar medium in a galaxy is produced by the energyfeedback of massive stars. Although the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) offers anideal laboratory for the study of hot gas generated by active star formation ina low metallicity environment, there have as yet been few studies of thisdiffuse component. Thus, we propose medium-depth XMM-Newton observations of 5previously unobserved fields along the main body of the SMC. These fieldscontain regions of active star formation. The mechanical energy of stellar windsand supernovae from massive stars have created interstellar structures filledwith hot gas, on a variety of scales. We will analyze the X-ray andmulti-wavelength data to quantitatively assess the stellar energy feedback.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-03-12T20:01:34Z/2007-03-13T06:53:38Z
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 Rosa Williams, 2008, 'Hot Gas in the Low-Metallicity Star-Forming Small Magellanic Cloud', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ebmwugk
