We request a 13 ks observation of a new hard X-ray point source associated withthe planetary nebula G343.3-0.6 (10 ks goodtime & 3 ks flaring overhead).Discovery observations with Swift reveal a bright (f_x gtrsim 5x10^{-12} ergs^{-1} cm^{-2}) and highly variable source suggesting the presence of an activebinary system in this planetary nebula. The proposed XMM-Newton observation willenable us to constrain the X-ray spectra and nature of this enigmatic source.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-08-31T15:20:28Z/2014-08-31T19:47:08Z
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 Mark Reynolds, 2015, 'Characterizing a New Variable Hard X-ray Source in the Planetary Nebula G343.3-0', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4v49h4o
