We propose two, 50 ks, XMM observations to search for 5-10 Myr diskless youngstars in the CepOB3 association at 700 pc. We have recently performed a Spitzerand Chandra study of Cep OB3b and have found this cluster to contain virgul2000stars, making it one of two known, massive (>1000 member) embedded/partiallyembedded clusters within 1 kpc. Cep OB3b has largely dispersed its gas andappears to be a more evolved (3-5 Myr vs 1-2 Myr) analog to the other nearbymassive embedded cluster, the the Orion Nebula Cluster. The XMM observationswill map the distribution of 5-10 Myr stars to understand the relationship ofCep OB3b cluster to previous episodes of star formation in the Cep OB3association.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-02-21T10:44:19Z/2012-02-22T04:15:29Z
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 Scott Wolk, 2013, 'XMM Imaging of the Cep OB3: Studying Cluster formation within an OB Association', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jkutdq6
