We propose to observe the Galactic black hole candidate BG Gem with EPIC onboardXMM-Newton. A detection of this system at a luminosity greater than or equal to10^31 erg s^-1 would significantly bolster the case for the presence of astellar mass black hole primary. If confirmed, then BG Gem would be the blackhole binary with the longest orbital period (by a factor of 3), in addition tobeing the only eclipsing Galactic black hole binary system.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-03-04T18:27:21Z/2010-03-05T01:10:26Z
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 Mark Reynolds, 2011, 'A Black Hole in BG GeminorumquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-k7jq9w8
