With NuSTAR, it is possible for the first time to determine the compact objecttype and accretion state of large samples of X-ray binaries (XRBs) in nearbygalaxies. This classification, based on hard X-ray luminosity and hardnessratios, can provide valuable insights into how XRB properties vary withvariables such as metallicity (Z), age, and specific star formation rate (sSFR).Vulic et al. (2018) classified 90 XRBs in nearby galaxies observed by NuSTAR,but the sample contains few galaxies with low-Z or low sSFR. Furthermore,variability studies of XRB populations have been limited to M31. We proposejoint NuSTAR-XMM observations of the NGC 55 to expand studies of the compactobjects, accretion states, and variability of XRBs to lower luminosities in a low-Z galaxy.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-11-27T19:19:37Z/2020-05-19T11:12:28Z
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 Francesca Fornasini, 2021, 'A survey of NGC55: a holistic view of a low metallicity X-ray binary population', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-p7r6z2p
