SGR 1806-20 has recently emitted the most powerful giant flare ever observedfrom a Soft Gamma-ray Repeater. This probably involved a large scalerearrangement of the magnetosphere leading to observable variations in theproperties of its persistent X-ray emission. Comparison of the pre-flareXMM-Newton observations with those obtained after this event supports a magnetarscenario in which the effects of a twisted magnetosphere are taken into account.We propose to continue our monitoring of SGR 1806-20 initiated in AO-5 in orderto study the long term effects of the Giant Flare and how the source evolvestoward quiescence after this ..once-in-a-lifetime. event.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2007-09-26T15:17:46Z/2008-04-02T22:18:03Z
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 Sandro Mereghetti, 2009, 'Long term monitoring of SGR 1806-20 after the Giant Flare', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nef3sns
