| Description |
We propose EPIC observations to survey a virgul10 square degree area of the LMC down
to a limiting point source luminosity of 2 x 10^33 erg/s. Its proximity makes
the LMC the ultimate target for obtaining a complete inventory of SNRs, X-ray
binaries and SSSs, and to study the diffuse emission of the hot ISM. Most im-
portantly, the high throughput of XMM-Newton will allow us to perform detailed
spectral and temporal analyses of a large fraction of sources. Together with the
existing EPIC data, our observations will create a unique data set to study the
star-formation history and its implications on the morphology of the ISM in the
LMC. In combination with the existing surveys of the SMC, M31 and M33 this will
yield important clues for the evolution of the Local Group as a whole. |
| Mission Description |
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
