We propose EPIC observations to obtain a complete survey of the SMC down to alimiting point source luminosity of 2 x 10^33 erg/s. Its proximity makes the SMCthe ultimate target for obtaining a complete inventory of SSSs, HMXBs and SNRsand to study the diffuse emission of the hot ISM. Most importantly, the highthroughput of XMM-Newton will allow us to perform detailed spectral and temporalanalyses of a large fraction of the sources. We will identify and/or classifyfainter sources using hardness ratios, long-term variability, and source extent,together with information from other wavelength bands. Including the existingXMM-Newton data our observations will create a unique data set to study thestar-formation history and its implications on the morphology of the ISM in the SMC.
Instrument
RGS1, EPN, RGS2, EMOS1, OM, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-05-14T09:13:42Z/2010-03-16T16:08:06Z
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, 'A complete survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-t519k7o
