We are proposing shadowing observations of the hot gas in the Galactic halo.Unlike recent shadowing observations, we are proposing to observe compact cloudsfor which on- and off-cloud spectra can be extracted from a single XMM field.This technique is the only way to ensure that the time-variable contribution dueto solar system X-rays is the same in the on- and off-cloud spectra. From thesedata, we will determine the halo.s X-ray spectrum and measure its temperatureand emission measure. This information will help constrain models for the hothalo.s origin.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-02-04T23:34:53Z/2013-02-06T01:00:10Z
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 David Henley, 2014, 'Improved Shadowing Observations of the Galactic Halo with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7at9i3p
