Finding X-ray counterparts to future LIGO/Virgo events requires an understandingof the transient sky at low redshift. We have identified 7 nearby (D < 300 Mpc)transients in the XMM-Newton Slew Survey Catalog via a systematic comparisonwith the ROSAT All Sky Survey. These sources have unusual properties and so aredifficult to characterize. They are highly luminous (>1e42 erg/s), extremelyvariable, associated with galaxies within 300 Mpc, and lack optical AGNsignatures. We propose to observe these seven targets with XMM-Newton in anattempt to identify their nature. The sources could prove to be tidal disruptionevents, GRB afterglows, very high energy ULXs, or some new class. This is thefirst study of X-ray transients within the LIGO/Virgo horizon.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-09-10T22:55:12Z/2013-12-21T08:48:24Z
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 Richard Mushotzky, 2015, 'A New Class of X-ray TransientsquestionMark Highly Luminous XMM Transients', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-970668r
