Correlated fast multi-wavelength variability is becoming a key tool forstudying the physics of accretion and ejection of relativistic jets. Usingsimultaneous X-ray and near-infrared data we have recently discovered vibrationsfrom a relativistic jet down to 62.5 ms time scale, which allowed us to estimatethe speed and the size of the jet. We have shown that the properties of thejet depend on the spectral state of the black hole. We will monitor the outburstevolution of a black hole transient with XMM, simultaneously with ground-basedoptical and IR facilities, in order to apply the same technique to differentspectral states. We propose to perform 10 short (7 ksec) XMM observations ofan active black hole, in order to cover the different stages of the outburst.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-09-29T22:49:07Z/2013-10-02T00:48:49Z
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 Kieran O'Brien, 2014, 'Fast multi-wavelength variability from a black hole', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-y83kqio
