SN 1978K is a remarkable Type IIn supernova that remains bright at X-ray throughradio wavelengths 35 years after its explosion. Our ongoing multiwavelengthobservations probe the dense medium that was ejected by the progenitor star,possibly a Luminous Blue Variable. While the radio flux has dropped steadily,the X-ray and UV/optical fluxes remained surprisingly constant for a decade.However, our most recent XMM observation in 2013 June reveals a significantfading. Here we request a 100 ksec observation to continue the detailed spectralevolution study. This will serve as a pathfinder for younger Type IInsupernovae. As secondary science, we will obtain data on the ULXs X-1 and X-2,and the other luminous sources in NGC 1313.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-03-30T03:49:32Z/2015-03-31T08:26:12Z
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 Ian Smith, 2016, 'Detailed Multiwavelength Study of the Late-Time Evolution of SN 1978K', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ddiv3q3
