Name | 080228 |
Title | Unveiling the true nature of the remarkable transient ASASSN-15lh |
URL | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0802280101 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nhjjoju |
Author | Dr Raffaella Margutti |
Description | We propose deep X-ray observations of ASASSN-15lh at t>500 days to unveil its nature, as part of our multi-wavelength follow-up. ASASSN-15lh has been inter- preted as either (i) the most luminous stellar explosion, or (ii) a stellar tidal disruption by the most massive, spinning black hole to date. In either case the observed properties of ASASSN-15lh are unprecedented, with profound implications to our understanding of stellar explosions (case i) or strong gravity regimes around supermassive spinning BHs (case ii). The two scenarios have markedly different predictions of the associated X-ray emission and its evolution at late times. Continued monitoring of the X-ray source that we uncovered at its location thus holds the keys to unveiling the true nature of this unique transient. |
Publication | No observations found associated with the current proposal |
Instrument | EPN, RGS1, OM, RGS2, EMOS1, EMOS2 |
Temporal Coverage | 2018-04-12T10:58:36Z/2018-04-13T13:48:36Z |
Version | 17.56_20190403_1200 |
Mission Description | The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
Date Published | 2019-04-30T22:00:00Z |
Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr Raffaella Margutti, 2019, 080228, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nhjjoju |