From our last XMM-Newton observation of SN 1987A performed in Jan. 2008 (100 ks,AO6) we obtained EPIC and RGS spectra of unprecedented quality. The soft X-raylight curve shows a significant flattening after 2005, while at higher energiesthe light curve seems to steepen. To further monitor the turn-over we propose tocontinue our yearly XMM-Newton observations of SN 1987A. Together with ouraccepted AO7 observation this will allow us to study the time evolution of theshock conditions and abundance profiles of, e.g., N, O, Fe, Ne (with RGS). Athigh energies EPIC-pn can help to clarify the extremely low Fe abundanceobserved so far. Is the Fe completely swallowed by the central compact object oris the emission from the inner sections of the progenitor star still absorbed?
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-12-11T23:59:49Z/2009-12-13T01:30:07Z
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, 2011, 'X-ray Spectrometry of SN1987A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-43b8lol
