Fundamental questions concerning processes in the vicinity of black holes (BH)remain open. The accretion flow geometry, the role of the jet and the source ofoptical radiation are among most disputed. In recent years, simultaneousinfrared/optical/ultraviolet--X-ray observations revealed their large potentialin addressing these problems. By joining two powerful astrophysical techniques:(a) high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and timing (which only XMM-Newton canprovide) and (b) high time-resolution UV photometry (available only at HST), wewill answer a number of fundamental questions of BH physics. We will constrainthe accretion flow geometry, measure the inner disc radius, identify the sourceof seed photons for Comptonization, and locate the zone of the UV emission.
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-10-08T04:57:01Z/2012-10-08T13:32:39Z
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, Ms Alexandra Veledina, 2013, 'Physics of black hole transients from simultaneous X-ray and UV observations', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-5ccvx1e
