In December 2004 SGR 1806-20 emitted the most powerful giant flare ever observedfrom a Soft Gamma-ray Repeater. This probably involved a large scalerearrangement of the magnetosphere leading to observable variations in theproperties of its persistent X-ray emission. Comparison of the pre- andpost-flare observations supports the model of a magnetar with a twistedmagnetosphere. We are studying the long term effects of the Giant Flare and thesource evolution after this ..once-in-a-lifetime. event with a long termXMM-Newton and INTEGRAL monitoring of SGR 1806-20. Based on the trend seen inthe latest observations (performed every six months), we estimate that thesampling frequency can now be reduced and therefore, we require only a single pointing during AO9.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-03-23T09:34:32Z/2011-03-23T21:55:45Z
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 SANDRO MEREGHETTI, 2012, 'Long term XMM-Newton and INTEGRAL monitoring of SGR1806-20 after the Giant Flare', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rzvvge6
