We propose a 35 ks XMM-Newton observation during the outburst of a very-faintX-ray transient. These peculiar X-ray binaries are underluminous by orders ofmagnitudes compared to the well-studied classical (bright) X-ray transientpopulation. Some of them have been identify as accreting neutron stars, whereasonly one black hole has been conclusively identified so far. However, the natureof the vast majority remains unclear. This XMM-Newton observation will allow usto carry out a detailed spectral analysis of a very faint transient (< 10performed so far) in order to (i) shed light on the nature of this growingpopulation and (ii) the reason for their sub-luminous behaviour.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-05-03T03:29:10Z/2020-05-03T14:09:10Z
Version
18.02_20200221_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 Montserrat Armas Padilla, 2021, 'Observations of the outbursts of very-faint X-ray transients with XMM-Newton', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-89w35m2
