The Fermi satellite opened new horizons in gamma-ray astronomy with thedetection of already 1451 sources in the first 11 months of science operationsof the LAT instrument. While some of them are identified as gamma-ray pulsarsand AGNs, other are just associated with potential gamma-ray emitters. However,many of the LAT sources have no potential association yet. Their nature isunknown and can only be investigated through multi-wavelength observations. Herewe propose to map the error boxes of selected LAT sources in X-rays with XMM andin the optical with the VLT. On the basis of their X-ray/optical properties, foreach LAT source we will then be able to single out the X-ray source which is apotential gamma-ray emitter.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-10-08T20:45:54Z/2011-10-09T04:31:12Z
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 roberto mignani, 2012, 'Determining the nature of the unassociated Fermi-LAT gamma-ray sources', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ekkbtgt
