We propose a 100 ks ToO observation of a blazar in outburst as detected by theFACT TeV gamma-ray telescope, supplemented by pre-outburst snapshots and follow-up monitoring with Swift. Bright TeV gamma-ray flares have been detectedfrequently from blazars, but complete information of the multiwavelength spectrabefore, during and after an outburst are not available. Leptonic models for TeVflares predict simultaneous flux increases in the X-ray and in the gamma-rayband. Other types of TeV flares, which cannot be explained with current models,are also observed, such as orphan flares, which show little to no variability inthe X-rays. XMM-Newton will add high-sensitivity spectra to our already set-upFACT and INTEGRAL ToO program.
Instrument
EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-06-10T18:54:00Z/2019-06-11T20:27:20Z
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, Ms Andrea Gokus, 2020, 'Multiwavelength spectral variability of Very-High-Energy Blazar Outbursts', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gssxqjh
