Vela X is the prototypical example of a pulsar wind nebula whose morphology anddetailed structure have been affected by the interaction with the reverse shockof its host supernova remnant. The resulting complex of filamentary structureand mixed-in ejecta embedded in a nebula that is offset from the pulsar providesthe best example we have of this middle-age state that characterizes asignificant fraction of composite SNRs, and perhaps all of the large-diameterPWNe seen as TeV sources. Here we propose an XMM-Newton Large Project to performthe definitive X-ray study of Vela X.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-04-30T21:17:43Z/2009-12-23T07:05:29Z
Version
PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE
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 Patrick Slane, 2011, 'Crushing of Pulsar Wind Nebulae: A Detailed XMM-Newton Study of Vela X', PPS_NOT_AVAILABLE, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3opd4ax
