We propose to continue the monitoring of the flaring activity of the galacticsupermassive black hole Sgr A*, with XMM-Newton and the VLT in order to detect anew brigth and long X-ray/Near-IR flare from this source that will allow us to:1) Measure simultaneously the flare spectral shape in the X-ray and NIR bandsand thus reveal the emission mechanisms and the accretion/ejection flowsproperties in the vicinity of the BH. 2) Confirm the presence of periodic X- raymodulations on timescales of 20-30 min, and measure the period and the lightcurve shape in order to explore the behavior of accreting matter at the veryedge of the BH event horizon and possibly constrain the BH spin.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-04-01T00:55:25Z/2009-04-05T13:09:09Z
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 Andrea Goldwurm, 2010, 'Monitoring Sgr A* X-ray and Near-Infrared flaring activity', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ctya52h
