We propose two XMM observations of 100 ks each to capture the echo of Sgr A*.spast flares before they leave the central molecular zone. These observations ofthe distant molecular clouds Sgr D and E with XMM.s large effective area arerequired to extend our knowledge of Sgr A*.s past light curve further back intime. It will permit us to extend our global study of the GC X-ray diffuseemission, which concludes that two short events happening few hundred years agoand currently propagating through the ISM are sufficient to explain all thevariations we have detected. The objective of this project is to fully identifyan older outburst from Sgr A*. This will better constrain the frequency of thesepast events and bring us closer to establishing their physical origin.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2016-10-02T22:51:10Z/2016-10-04T04:17:50Z
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 Maica Clavel, 2017, 'Sgr D and Sgr E: two distant witnesses of Sgr A*.s past activity', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-juu2ia2
