SN 1978K is a remarkable Type IIn supernova that remains bright at X-ray throughradio wavelengths 37 years after its explosion. While the radio flux droppedsteadily, the X-ray and UV/optical fluxes remained constant for a decade. Ourrecent XMM-Newton and Suzaku observations revealed these are now fading, butapparently with chromatic variations. Our millimeter detection makes this thefirst old extragalactic supernova to be detected in this band, apart from SN1987A. Only SN 1978K was detected in a search for warm dust in supernovae in thetransitional phase (age 10-100 years). Here we request a 100 ksec XMM-Newtonobservation as part of our detailed multi-wavelength study of its evolution.This will serve as a pathfinder for younger Type IIn supernovae.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-10-08T20:57:38Z/2016-10-09T22:14:18Z
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 Ian Smith, 2017, 'Detailed Multi-wavelength Study of the Late-Time Evolution of SN 1978K', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-i5hl0zi
