We propose a deep late-time observation with XMM-Newton of one of the nearestknown superluminous supernovae (SLSNe), 2015bn, to perform a focused test of themodel for the optical emission of hydrogen-poor SLSNe that is powered by thespindown energy of a rapidly rotating newly born magnetar. Our early-timeobservations of SN 2015bn with XMM-Newton resulted in non-detections. However,at times later than 250 days after peak, the optical light curve of this objecthas now started to decay more rapidly than the input of energy of thehypothesized magnetar. We seek to test the hypothesis that high-energy emissionfrom the magnetar has ionized the ejecta, leading to a breakout of X-rays thatshould now be observable with XMM-Newton.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-06-05T16:17:41Z/2017-06-06T03:04:21Z
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, Prof Ryan Chornock, 2018, 'Mind the openParLuminosityclosePar Gap: A Test of the Magnetar-SLSN Connection With SN 2015bn', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cht6olp
