We propose simultaneous XMM and VLT observations of Sgr A* to study the physicalprocesses at work during its near-infrared/X-ray flares. The aim is to obtainfor the first time accurate spectral shape of the flares simultaneously in bothX-ray and NIR bands. This is the fundamental, still missing, measurement neededto constrain the flare emission mechanism, that will be within reach with theimplementation of the laser guide NACO prism spectroscopy mode at the VLT at thetime of the proposed observations. With this program we will also furtherconstrain the powerful activity that Sgr A* experienced in the past, through themonitoring of long term variations of the iron line emission from thesurrounding molecular clouds.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-03-13T03:52:36Z/2012-03-21T10:09:18Z
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 Andrea Goldwurm, 2013, 'Crucial measurements of Sgr A* variability with XMM and VLT', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4sp5gg3
