We propose an in-depth study of a nearby long gamma-ray burst (GRB,z <0.4) withXMM. Our multi-wavelength effort (radio, optical, Swift/XRT and proposed XMM) isdesigned to extract the true energy and geometry of these explosions, and toreveal the activity of their central engines. This effort allows us to: (i)investigate whether sub-energetic GRBs share the same explosion mechanisms andcentral engines as ordinary GRBs; (ii) investigate what essential physicalproperty enables only a small fraction of supernovae to harbor a relativisticGRB outflow; (iii) understand if jet-driven explosions are common in allsupernovae. These objectives are only possible by expanding the current smallsample of nearby GRBs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-07-16T19:00:53Z/2016-07-17T15:17:33Z
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 Raffaella Margutti, 2017, 'Energy and Geometry of Jet-driven Explosions in the Local Universe', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kijub8w