We ask for a 50ks XMM-Newton observation of the newly discovered Soft GammaRepeater SGR 0501+4516, aimed at a deep study of the source in its return toquiescence state. The transient X-ray behaviour of SGR0501+4516 was caught fromthe beginning of the outburst by our AO7 XMM-Newton ToO monitoring program,allowing us to study in unprecedented detail the timing and spectral evolutionof the outburst decay of a SGR. We now request a further pointing in order tocomplete the study of the evolution of the source to characterize its quiescentstate, and single out permanent spectral/timing changes induced by the outburst.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-08-30T14:39:39Z/2009-08-31T05:49:16Z
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 Nanda Rea, 2010, 'XMM-Newton observation of the new SGR 0501+4516 in its return to in quiescence', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s7spyp8
