The TeV source HESS J1731-347 discovered in the H.E.S.S. Galactic plane surveyhas an intriguing possible counterpart seen in ROSAT survey data. The X-ray datashow an extended nebular structure with a hard spectrum in close coincidence tothe core of the TeV source. It is plausible to assume that the same energeticparticle population is responsible for the emission in both bands. We propose toperform XMM-Newton observations on this TeV/X-ray emission region to identifythe particle acceleration site and mechanism which is responsible for theradiation seen in HESS J1731-347. This will help resolving the question whichastrophysical sources are the main accelerators of high energy particles in ourGalaxy.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-03-21T13:09:33Z/2007-03-21T20:13:01Z
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 Gerd Puehlhofer, 2008, 'Revealing the nature of the TeV - X-ray nebula HESS J1731-347 with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9g1q08b
