The NPS is a region of strong diffuse X-ray emission extending in an arc froml,b =25deg,10deg to 330deg,75deg. Conventional wisdom says that the NPS is thelimb-brightened edge of the Loop I superbubble, roughly centered on, and likelypowered by the Sco-Cen OB association, placing it at a distance of 100-200 pc.However, it has also been seen as a supershell centered on the Gal. center, andthe implications for the plasma and energy involved are extreme. We propose todetermine the location of the NPS using a series of overlapping observations ofthe southern terminus. Comparison with the Gal. distribution of X-ray absorbingmaterial will allow us to determine if it is absorption bounded, and by whichISM features, thus revealing its distance.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-09-05T19:08:59Z/2015-04-01T07:48:50Z
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 K.D. Kuntz, 2016, 'Where in the Milky Way is the North Polar Spur', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zn3jopg
