An optical variability study of the benchmark star forming region NGC2264,observed with CoRoT, indicates that the cluster is more extended than currentlybelieved. We propose to observe with EPIC two fields in the outskirts ofNGC2264, each for 50ks. We want to: 1) confirm by means of X-ray detection theexistence of a spatially extended population; 2) establish the star formationhistory of the region, e.g. whether the clustered and dispersed populationsoriginated from the same or distinct formation events; 3) determine whether masssegregation affects NGC2264, thus compromising current determinations of theInitial Mass Function; 4) derive disk frequencies throughout the cluster and insub-regions with different stellar densities and UV-radiation fields.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-09-21T11:53:06Z/2011-09-22T02:51:39Z
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 Ettore Flaccomio, 2012, 'NGC 2264: a new dispersed population', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1q626jt
