The discovery of bright ring-like X-ray emission at the heart of the largesupernova remnant (SNR) HB3 has invoked many possible explanations for thisunique morphology including a second SNR, a pre-supernova circumstellar shell,or an unusual density distribution. However, previous observations of thisremnant have either suffered from significant flaring, or were taken by lowspatial and spectral resolution instruments. This makes it difficult tocharacterise the properties of this central emission, and determine the originof this unique morphology. Here we propose two XMM-Newton observations of theheart of HB3 to map its bright central emission and some of its diffusesurroundings in an attempt to shed light on origin and nature this structure.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-07-24T01:50:08Z/2017-07-26T09:00:48Z
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 Katie Auchettl, 2018, 'A ring around the heart of supernova remnant HB3', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-nf0ebp4
