A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

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