Tidal disruption events (TDEs), where a star is disrupted by a massive blackhole provide a unique probe. They illuminate dynamics in galactic nuclei, andmay provide constraints on rates of low frequency gravitational wave transients.A handful of candidates have been uncovered, with our recent discovery of a newclass of relativistic TDE dramatically adding to the breadth of the population.Here we propose to characterise the spectral and temporal properties of of up totwo TDEs found in AO11. As part of a multiwavelength campaign we will useXMM-Newton and HST to track the temperature; search for evidence of non-thermalcomponents and study the long and short timescale variability. In doing so wewill create unique panchromatic pictures of these events for the first time
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-05-15T01:46:00Z/2015-07-10T12:10:02Z
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 Andrew Levan, 2016, 'XMM-Newton target of opportunity observations of tidal disruption events', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hwn8brp
