We propose an in-depth X-ray study of fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), anew class of transients with luminosities and time scales that challengetraditional SN models. Alternative scenarios include a failed SN of a strippedstar, He-shell detonation on a white dwarf, and a SN shock breaking through adense medium. FBOTs have mostly been studied in the optical/UV regime, which isof thermal origin and it is not sensitive to the nature of the underlying energysource. Here we propose to capitalize on our recent discovery of X-rays from theFBOT AT2018cow with unprecedented properties, and start the first broad-bandX-ray monitoring campaign of FBOTs. The primary goal is to test for the presenceof engines driving the explosions and constrain their nature.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2022-02-24T08:56:25Z/2022-03-05T13:53:01Z
Version
19.17_20220121_1250
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 RAFFAELLA MARGUTTI, 2023, 'XMM-NuSTAR Observations of Rapid comma Luminous and Blue Stellar Explosions', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-7k5dxdb
