We propose Target of Opportunity (ToO) observations to characterise thesupersoft X-ray emission of optical novae in the disk of M 31 with four 20 ksXMM-Newton EPIC observations during July 2010 to mid-August 2010 and January2011 to mid-February 2011. These observations will allow to perform spectralanalysis of M 31 disk novae during their supersoft X-ray source state (SSS) andto determine effective temperatures and luminosities. The probability oftriggering all four observations on four different novae is high. Ourobservations will double the number of M 31 disk novae with known SSS spectra.This will help to study the differences between bulge novae and disk novae inthe X-ray regime.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-08-01T05:27:15Z/2012-01-22T03:10:46Z
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, Mr Martin Henze, 2013, 'Supersoft X-ray source states of optical novae in the disk of M 31', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ft18pgw
