We repropose our previously-awarded request to observe the bright persistenthard state of Cyg X-1 with the EPIC-pn in timing mode for 4 consecutiveXMM-Newton orbits, in order to reverberation map the iron Kalpha line for thevery first time in an X-ray binary. Unfortunately the source has remained in thesoft state since our original proposal in 2010, so we request continuation withan expanded science team, including observations from NuSTAR, VLBA, CARMA andVERITAS, for an unprecedented multiwavelength study of disc, corona,stellar-wind and jet, when the source finally transitions back to the hardstate.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-05-27T22:19:54Z/2016-06-04T11:34:09Z
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 Phil Uttley, 2017, 'Staring down the gravity well: a comprehensive study of the hard state of Cyg X-', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-sunfl5u
