We propose to measure the Solar Wind Charge Exchange (SWCX) X-ray emission fromthe upstream (relative to the solar wind) portion of Earth.s magnetosheath. Thisis the direction in which the magnetosheath has its highest density of neutralparticles, highest solar wind density, and thus its brightest SWCX emission.Although the emissivity, the rate at which X-rays are produced as a function ofthe neutral and ion densities, can be predicted theoretically, there aresizeable uncertainties which can be reduced only by direct measurement. Thesemeasurements can then be used to calculate the amount of SWCX emission due toneutrals in the heliosphere, more tightly constraining the existence of theLocal Hot Bubble, and more closely constraining the amount of Galactic halo emission above 0.5 keV.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-12-16T12:23:41Z/2013-12-17T07:20:21Z
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 Kip Dee Kuntz, 2015, 'Measuring the Solar Wind Charge Exchange Emissivity in the Magnetosheath', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-y84jryp
