Swift J1910.2-0546 is a newly discovered transient X-ray binary that exhibited avirgul1 yr long outburst in 2012-2013. Elucidating the nature of the compact primaryis of crucial importance for interpreting intriguing phenomena observed duringits outburst. To this end, we request a 50 ks XMM-Newton observation now thatthe source resides in quiescence. Given the long duration of the outburst, aneutron star would reveal itself through the detection of relatively bright(Lxvirgul1E32-1E33 erg/s) and (predominantly) thermal emission. In contrast, a blackhole would show a significantly harder, non-thermal X-ray spectrum and aluminosity that is likely much weaker (Lx<1E32 erg/s). The low column densityand relative proximity of the source will allow a detection down to LxvirgulE31 erg/s (0.5-10 keV).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-10-05T16:59:25Z/2014-10-06T10:29:25Z
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 Nathalie Degenaar, 2015, 'The nature of the newly discovered transient X-ray binary Swift J1910.2-0546', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s06hapg
