We initiated a Chandra program to search for low-level nuclear activity in arepresentative sample of low-mass galaxies within 20 Mpc. We propose XMM-Newtonobservations of three late-type galaxies, Sdm-Sc-Sbc, in each of which a nuclearX-ray source was detected with Chandra. X-ray spectra and optical-X-ray spectralenergy distributions obtained with XMM-Newton will secure identification ofX-ray sources as either AGNs, binaries or star clusters. We will understandcharacteristics of low luminosity AGNs, if present. Discovering AGNs inbulge-less galaxies will be exciting as it will imply that bulges are notnecessary for existence of black holes. This will have important consequencestoward understanding the formation and co-evolution of galaxies and black holes.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-07-10T02:04:35Z/2009-07-10T18:40:31Z
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, Prof Smita Mathur, 2010, 'The nature of nuclear X-ray sources in nearby late-type galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-r7pnwgf
