We propose to utilize comets as natural space probes for sampling the heavy ioncontent of the solar wind at solar maximum in 3D, by investigating the X-rayemission which results from charge exchange interactions between solar wind ionsand cometary neutrals. The solar maximum is particularly well suited for suchstudies. During AO-12, which coincides with solar maximum, 4 comets will befavorably placed for XMM-Newton: C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS), 2P/Encke, C/2012 S1(ISON), and 154P/Brewington, sampling the solar wind between 10 deg and 75 degheliographic latitude. This proposal makes full use of the spectral, temporal,and spatial resolution of XMM-Newton, of its full field of view, and of all itssix (PN, MOS1, MOS2, RGS1, RGS2, OM) scientific instruments.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2013-05-25T02:30:34Z/2013-10-09T08:17:59Z
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 Konrad Dennerl, 2014, 'Sampling the solar sind at solar maximum in 3D with comets', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-vdkenol
