We propose to use XMM-Newton to produce the first ever high-resolution X-rayimage of the elongated shell-type SNR G32.8-0.1 (Kes 78). Not only is Kes 78 aknown X-ray emitter (weak emission is seen by ROSAT and a small fraction iscovered by XMM-Newton), it is also embedded in a region of molecular gasappearing to interact with the SNR; therefore, Kes 78 is an ideal laboratory forexploring the physics of an SNR interaction with a molecular cloud. The highsensitivity and spectral resolution of XMM-Newton will allow us to search forboth thermal and non-thermal X-ray emission to probe the details of the SNR/MCinteraction, to constrain the properties of the SNR and the surrounding mediumand to search for a possible association with a new VHE gamma-ray source.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-03-18T08:49:04Z/2012-03-19T02:47:33Z
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 Fabio Acero, 2013, 'The first high-resolution X-ray imaging of the shell-type SNR Kes 78', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9rd8lmh
