We propose EPIC observations of two supergiant shells (SGSs) in the west of theLMC, a region poorly explored in X-rays. SGSs are ideal targets to find thesupernova remnants and X-ray binaries which are known to be missing from currentsamples. We will reveal and study the hot gas content of the SGSs and itsrelation with other phases of the interstellar medium (ISM). The X-rayluminosity of the diffuse emission will be compared to the recent star formationrate (SFR), allowing to calibrate the known relation between diffuse X-rayemission and SFR over an unprecedented dynamical range. Finally, an extendedgamma-ray source coincides with the surveyed regions. An X-ray inventory of thetargets will provide insight into the origin of this high energy emission.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2018-05-01T01:56:23Z/2018-05-01T13:21:23Z
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 Pierre Maggi, 2019, 'Exploring supergiant shells in the west of the LMC', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-tw9w1df
