The jet angle distribution for short GRBs is sparsely determined yet essentialto constrain due to its direct implications for the true energy scale and eventrate. Our current knowledge of the distribution comes from late-time X-rayobservations (>1 day after the burst). Here, we propose XMM-Newton TOOobservations to monitor a short GRB afterglow and constrain its collimation fromthe detection or non-detection of a jet break, to constrain >10-20 deg. Aprecise calculation of the angle additionally requires broad-band afterglowobservations to constrain the GRB energy and circumburst density. With ourongoing broad-band short GRB TOO programs, our group is uniquly poised toprovide the tightest constraints on these angles.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-06-06T05:01:02Z/2013-06-11T01:01:56Z
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 Wen-fai Fong, 2014, 'The Explosion Geometries of Short GRBs: Implications for Energetics and Rates', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-g0ls2m9
