We propose to use the sensitivity and spectral capabilities of XMM-Newton in thesoft X-ray band to catch a comet interacting with the polar wind for the firsttime ever. The combination of the current solar minimum as well as the orbit andactivity of comet 2009/P1 (Garradd) offers a unique opportunity to acquirespectroscopic observations from an important solar wind regime that is onlysparsely accessible to remote and in-situ observations. Our study is thus ofdirect importance to cometary and heliospheric sciences, but also to studies ofthe X-ray back ground attributed to solar wind charge exchange.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-01-26T22:13:32Z/2012-03-27T22:29:19Z
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 Dennis Bodewits, 2013, 'SAMPLING THE BIMODAL SOLAR WIND WITH THE BRIGHT COMET 2009 P1 openParGARRADDclosePar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-csdjruz
