We propose to survey 11 nearby galaxies with XMM to search for new ultraluminousX-ray sources (ULXs). Most ULXs are associated with star formation and arelikely stellar mass black holes in super-Eddington accretion states or withmildly beamed emission. Some of the strongest intermediate mass black hole(IMBH) candidates are found in galaxies with low star formation rates (SFRs).Our survey will sample late-type galaxies with low SFRs that lack deep X-raydata but are covered by archival Hubble Space Telescope observations enabling usto identify optical counterparts and study the surrounding environments.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-08-08T08:32:42Z/2014-01-26T13:11:55Z
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, Prof Philip Kaaret, 2014, 'Searching for Nearby ULXs in HST Imaged Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-n98u0k9
