We request a long (125ks) XMM-Newton observation of the ULX in the nearby galaxyNGC55. Previous short observations have revealed several unique aspects of thisULX. The temporal behavior of the ULX suggests a QPO at 1.5mHz and a powerspectrum break. Such temporal features have been observed only for three otherULXs. Moreover, the source undergoes frequent spectral transitions making it aunique ULX where characteristic temporal behavior can be studied in conjunctionwith spectral transitions. Such studies are crucial to understanding thedifferences/similarities between ULX and Galactic X-ray binaries. Furthermore,the ULX exhibits a series of strange and unexplained X-ray dips of durationvirgul200s, whose nature can be revealed in spectral analysis of co-added dip data.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-05-24T07:25:00Z/2010-05-25T18:48:57Z
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 GULAB DEWANGAN, 2011, 'Discovery of a QPO in the NGC55 ULXquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-czkxp53
