The distribution of jet angles for short GRBs is critical to constrain becauseit has direct implications for the true energy scale and event rate, parametersof interest for gravitational wave detections. Our current knowledge of theopening angle distribution comes from X-ray observations >1 day after the burst.We propose XMM TOO observations to monitor a short GRB afterglow and constrainits collimation from the (non)detection of a jet break, to constrain or measure>5-20 deg. A precise calculation of the angle also requires broad-band afterglowobservations; with our ongoing radio, optical/NIR short GRB TOO programs, ourgroup is uniquely poised to provide the tightest constraints on these angles.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-08-03T16:38:19Z/2017-08-03T22:18:19Z
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 Wen-fai Fong, 2018, 'Late-time X-ray Behavior of Short GRBs: Implications for Energetics and Rates', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-pkb9p3l
