Long GRBs signal the death of massive stars. Their afterglow emission can beused to probe the progenitor ambient through a detailed study of the absorptionpattern. This is done at optical wavelengths with impressive results. Detailedstudies of the absorption pattern imprinted in the X ray spectrum by thecircumburst material can be carried out, allowing us to shed light on thematerial metallicity, composition and distance of the absorber. We propose tocontinue observing bright Swift GRBs within 9 hr to derive with highersignificance an unbiased characterization of the circumburst material. For verybright GRBs we can also search for WHIM features using the GRB as a lighthouse.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-10-28T01:02:00Z/2015-10-28T15:45:20Z
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 Sergio Campana, 2016, 'Disclosing the gamma-ray burst circumburst ambient with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xuygybx
