We propose a ToO observation of a low Galactic latitude (|b| < 5 deg) and bright(15-150 keV fluence >2e-6 erg/cm2) GRB, with the main objective of studying thetime variable halo that might be formed by dust scattering of the GRB X-rayemission. Thin rings are formed if a large quantity of dust is concentrated indiscrete clouds along the line of sight, while diffuse dust produces atime-variable X-ray halo. In the former case, very accurate measures of thedistance to the dust clouds can be derived, as well as other characteristics ofinterstellar dust. Furthermore, the GRB prompt X-ray spectrum, which istypically detected only above virgul15 keV, can be reconstructed from the analysis ofthe dust-scattered emission and, therefore, extended to the soft X-ray band.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-08-03T19:44:20Z/2012-08-04T12:55:13Z
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 Andrea Tiengo, 2013, 'Gamma-Ray bursts as probes to study interstellar dust comma and vice versa', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1em4iu9
