Long Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) signal the death of massive stars. The afterglowemission can be used to probe the progenitor ambient through a detailed study ofthe absorption pattern. Taking advantage of Swift observations, we propose hereto observe bright GRB afterglows within 9 hr from their explosions withXMM-Newton. These constraints will allow us to have access to an unprecedentedstatistics. Detailed studies of the absorption pattern imprinted in the X-rayspectrum by the circumburst material will be carried out, leading to infer theprogenitor initial mass, initial metallicity and rotational velocity.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-06-18T13:47:24Z/2009-06-18T20:09:22Z
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 Sergio Campana, 2010, 'Disclosing the gamma-ray burst circumburst ambient with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2axzv83
