We propose joint XMM and NuSTAR observations of the stellar mass black holeX-ray binary LMC X-1. These broadband observations will be the first tosimultaneously constrain both the soft thermal component from the accretion diskaround the black hole and the non-thermal continuum emission that extends intothe hard X-ray band. The improved energy resolution of NuSTAR and the overlapbetween the XMM and NuSTAR bands will improve the measurement of the black holespin via the broad iron line. The soft thermal component has short timescale(hours) variability of unknown origin; we will improve the temporal resolutionof the continuum components by roughly an order of magnitude over previousobservations and shed light on the nature of these variations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-11-09T07:44:14Z/2014-11-10T04:14:13Z
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 Brian Grefenstette, 2015, 'A broadband comma time-resolved study of the persistent Stellar Mass Black Hole LMC X', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gkudgxz
