We propose to observe three nearby dwarf spheroidal (dSph) companions of theMilky Way. These galaxies host old populations with little or no contaminationof recent star formation, and appear to have a huge dark matter content. Theyare the ideal Rosetta stones to probe theories of X-ray binary formation, typeIa progenitors evolution, and dark matter halos.Recent observations of fourother dSph with Chandra and XMM-Newton have revealed a large number of X-raysources in the fields, effected by small column density of neutral hydrogenN(H).Using deep optical and UV images, archival HST and GALEX exposures, andlater spectroscopic follow-up, we will be able to determine the nature of thesources and whether they belong to the galactic populations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-11-24T07:38:18Z/2008-11-25T09:46:08Z
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 Marina Orio, 2009, 'Faint and soft X-ray binaries in three dwarf spheroidal galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6p0k46n
