We propose two 20 ksec long Target of Opportunity observations of a bright blackhole transient in outburst, to study the relativistic Fe Kα line profileand its variability in such systems, and to perform X-ray timing studies. Felines probe the innermost regions of accretion disks where the gravitationalfield is the most intense. To obtain a maximum signal to noise ratio in theline, these observations will be using the modified timing mode of the EPIC-pncameras, recently employed successfully in observations of the relativistic lineof Cygnus X-1. The accurate measurement of the line shape will then lead toconstraints on the black hole spin.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-09-28T22:50:00Z/2012-09-29T09:36:57Z
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, Prof Joern Wilms, 2013, 'Measuring Black Hole Spins: ToO Observations of a Black Hole Transient', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-j59dax0
