The XMM-Newton survey of M31 has revealed extended diffuse emission, inparticular on the northern side, which is well correlated with the northernstar-forming ring of the galaxy. We propose two deep pointings with 200 ksexposure each to cover the star-forming disc and to perform a detailed study ofthe diffuse emission. We will thus map the X-ray emission of the hotinterstellar medium (ISM) in a spiral galaxy like our own on arcmin scales andmeasure the temperature, density, and filling factor of brighter ISM structures.In addition, we will obtain a complete list of X-ray sources in the northerndisc of M31 down to the confusion limit of a few 10^34 erg s^-1, with improvedvariability and spectral information for all sources.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-06-28T06:07:53Z/2016-01-22T23:08:07Z
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 Manami Sasaki, 2017, 'Deep observations of the northern disc of M31', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rouvsy2
