We propose XMM observations of 5 regions of the LMC with well constrained youngstellar populations of ages virgul10-50 Myr.These observations will probe the X-raysource populations in regions of varying stellar content, down to a luminosityof virgul10^33 erg/s in the nearest star-forming galaxy. From the opticalcounterparts of the detected sources we will classify them as supergiants orBe/X-ray binaries (SG- or Be-XRBs, respectively), while based on X-ray spectraand timing analysis we will identify X-ray binary pulsars (XBPs). We will usethese results to investigate the connection between stellar and XRB populations.The proposed observations will complement existing Chandra and XMM observationsof the LMC as well as similar studies of other galaxies where these faint XRB populations cannot be observed.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-04-30T09:04:10Z/2010-05-06T18:36:42Z
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 Vallia Antoniou, 2011, 'The X-ray source populations of different stellar generations in the LMC', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-mrrw78x
