We propose to investigate the spectrum of X-ray emission from the edge of therecently discovered Galactic gamma-ray features known as the Fermi bubbles. Thebubbles extend 50 degrees above and below the Galactic center, with a width ofabout 40 degrees in longitude. These structures could result from a large-scaleaccretion driven outflow on the central black hole, or winds from a nuclearstarburst. ROSAT X-ray maps (bands R6 and R7) show closely related features witha relatively hard spectrum. This spectrum may be thermal bremsstrahlung emissionfrom Tvirgul10^7 K gas, or may contain significant line emission. The proposedobservations can distinguish between these two alternatives.
Instrument
RGS1, EPN, RGS2, EMOS1, OM, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-09-13T08:09:54Z/2012-03-31T00:55:19Z
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, Prof Douglas Finkbeiner, 2013, 'Probing the Fermi Bubbles with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xsg23bo
