Name | 072313 |
Title | A Search for X-ray Reverberation in the Ultraluminous X-ray Source NGC 5408 X-1 |
URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0723130301 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ywf1sou |
Author | Dr Tod Strohmayer |
Description | We propose simultaneous optical (VLT-FORS2) and X-ray (XMM-Newton) observations of the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 5408 X-1 (hereafter X-1) in order to search for the signatures of X-ray reprocessing in its accretion disk. Our proposed observations will enable the first sensitive search for X-ray - optical correlations in a ULX and will address key questions regarding the nature of the accretor in X-1. For example, detection of an X-ray -- optical correlation, a signature of reprocessing, will establish that the optical flux is largely produced in the accretion disk and not the companion star. Measurement of X-ray optical time lags can lead to a mass estimate via the techniques of reverberation mapping. |
Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
Temporal Coverage | 2014-02-11T00:29:41Z/2014-02-13T10:23:35Z |
Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
Date Published | 2015-03-04T23:00:00Z |
Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, 2015-03-04T23:00:00Z, 072313, 17.56_20190403_1200. https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ywf1sou |