MSH 15-56 is the prototypical example of an evolved composite supernova remnant(SNR) consisting of a swept-up shell and a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) that appearsto be disrupted by the supernova (SN) reverse shock (RS). Gamma-ray emission isdetected at the position of the SNR that may be produced in the PWN/RSinteraction. We propose a 336 ks XMM observation of the entire SNR, crucial forcharacterizing the properties of the ambient medium, the SN ejecta, and the PWN,and for uncovering the origin of the high-energy emission. The analysis willallow us to test our hydrodynamical models for the evolution of composite SNRsand significantly advance our general understanding of the late-phase structureand evolution of these systems.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-08-07T16:22:34Z/2018-02-13T19:19:08Z
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 Tea Temim, 2019, 'Understanding the Evolution of Composite SNRs: An XMM Study of MSH 15-56', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-pwncrpj
