We propose EPIC observations to obtain a complete survey of the SMC down to a limiting point source luminosity of 2 x 10^33 erg-s. Its proximity makes the SMC the ultimate target for obtaining a complete inventory of SSSs, HMXBs and SNRs and to study the diffuse emission of the hot ISM. Most importantly, the high throughput of XMM-Newton will allow us to perform detailed spectral and temporal analyses of a large fraction of the sources. We will identify and-or classify fainter sources using hardness ratios, long-term variability, and source extent, together with information from other wavelength bands. Including the existing XMM-Newton data our observations will create a unique data set to study the star-formation history and its implications on the morphology of the ISM in the SMC.
Publication
No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument
EPN, RGS1, OM, RGS2, EMOS1, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-14T09:13:42Z/2010-03-16T16:08:06Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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.
