We propose XMM-Newton observations of new candidate supersoft X-ray sources,SSSs, in the Magellanic Clouds, MCs, in order to confirm and study their nature.The 20 ks exposures will allow to determine a precise position and spectral andtemporal investigations. Finding new SSS in the MCs is crucial for X-ray sourcepopulation studies and will provide new information on the physics of individualobjects and on the class of SSSs as such. In particular we will address thequestion if persistent low-luminosity SSSs exist, which is not easily tounderstand in the framework of stable burning at high accretion rates, or ifthey are highly variable.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-05-14T14:41:28Z/2007-06-04T18:20:49Z
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 Frank Haberl, 2008, 'Candidates for low-luminosity supersoft sources in the Magellanic Clouds', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-iqjwg8e
