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, its massive northern spiral arm and the magnetic arms,located between the optical arms, possibly magnetic reconnection regions. StrongFaraday depolarization of the polarized radio emission from the disc indicatesan extended halo of ionized gas around NGC 6946. We wish to use XMM-Newtonobservations to disentangle and characterize the emission from X-ray pointsources and extended hot gas from the disc, the magnetic arms and the halo.The origin of the puzzling ultra-luminous emission complex MF16 will also beinvestigated.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-11-02T21:53:24Z/2007-11-09T07:22:11Z
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, 2009, '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-kz6d4zr
