We request joint XMM-Newton and HST observations of the best intermediate massblack hole candidate HLX-1. Recent HST and Swift observations found thebroadband spectral energy distribution was well described by an irradiatedaccretion disc plus a stellar population. However, degeneracies in the modelsresulted in two acceptable solutions with dramatically different parametervalues. We request two observations to be performed with XMM-Newton and the HSTat different X-ray luminosities in order to break these model degeneracies usingthe variability of the disc emission. With these observations we will be able todetermine the nature of the environment around the black hole, test formationtheories for HLX-1, and rule out beaming as the origin of the extreme luminosities.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-11-23T02:19:28Z/2013-07-05T14:50:33Z
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 Sean Farrell, 2014, 'The Stellar Population Around the Intermediate Mass Black Hole ESO 243-49 HLX-1', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-jfwkzy0
