We propose deep late-time observations with XMM-Newton of two of the nearestknown superluminous supernovae (SLSNe), 2017egm and 2016eay, to perform afocused test of the popular model for the power source of hydrogen-poor SLSNethat relies on the spindown energy of rapidly rotating newly born magnetars. Ourprevious late-time observation of the SLSN 2015bn with XMM-Newton resulted in anon-detection, indicating that less than 2% of the inferred spindown energy ofthe magnetar was being emitted at UVOIR or X-ray wavelengths at late times,identifying a missing energy problem. We seek to test whether this is a genericproblem by performing late-time XMM-Newton observations of these two objects bymeasuring the luminosity of X-rays escaping the ejecta at ages of 2-3 years.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-05-16T01:12:13Z/2019-05-16T10:22:13Z
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, 2020, 'Mind the openParLuminosityclosePar Gap\: Inside SNe 2017egm\ 2016eay', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-1fc6q2e
