The detection of jet-breaks in short GRBs afterglow light curves providedevidence that their emission is collimated. The knowledge of the jet openingangle (theta_j) distribution of short GRBs is mandatory for a properunderstanding of the true energetics and rate of this class of events. Only ahandful of the short GRBs observed by Swift to date has a robust estimate oftheta_j. We propose here to overcome this limit by carrying out ToO XMM-Newtonobservations of a sub-sample of Swift short GRBs (selected maximizing thepossibility of multi-wavelength follow-up), hunting for a jet-break signature intheir late-time X-ray afterglow light curves. The increasing evidence forcompact object binary progenitors makes short GRBs one of the most promising sources of GWs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-11-14T09:58:00Z/2019-11-14T23:26:20Z
Version
18.00_20191217_1110
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 Paolo D'Avanzo, 2020, 'Estimating the true energy and rate of short-duration GRBs', 18.00_20191217_1110, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-83fdugw
