The most extreme Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) radiate equivalent isotropic energiesclose to 1E54 erg in electromagnetic radiation; energies which cannot beaccommodated in core-collapse models. Thus GRBs are thought to be narrowlybeamed, which should give rise to an achromatic light curve break as the outflowslows. However, observations have not been able to securely identify X-ray lightcurve breaks leading to serious concerns about the total energetics which mayundermine the entire GRB paradigm. Thus we seek observations totalling 120 ks totest for the absence of such breaks in the X-ray light curves of two furtherhighly energetic GRBs, continuing our campaign to use the most extreme sourcesin the GRB population to re-examine the widely accepted GRB core-collapse models.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-04-21T11:48:23Z/2013-04-22T08:18:35Z
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 Rhaana Starling, 2014, 'A fundamental test of the fireball model for GRBs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-21i4rba
