In Dec 2010, Chandra revealed a previously unknown ULX in M83 where there hadbeen no detectable X-ray source before. It has varied in flux and hardness buthas remained bright for nearly two years. Our analysis shows that it is a blackhole (BH) accreting from a low-mass secondary. The spectral evolution of atransient ULX as it fades is a critical test of the nature of these intriguingobjects. Our goal is to determine whether it goes through the same canonicalaccretion states defined for Galactic BHs. We propose two 50-ks observations,separated by a few months, to identify the accretion state(s), accuratelydetermine the physical parameters, and compare with stellar-mass BH states. Thiswill constrain the mass of this ULX and help clarify the relation between ULXs and stellar-mass BHs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-08-07T16:21:05Z/2014-01-12T03:48:59Z
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 Kip Kuntz, 2015, 'Accretion states of the transient ULX in M83', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ogd6o85
