We request an observation of a newly discovered X-ray transient and black holecandidate. The source is now entering quiescence, following a months. longoutburst. X-ray imaging and spectroscopy with Chandra suggest interactions withambient media on small angular scales, and MeerKAT observations at 1.28 GHzreveal a radio bubble or possible supernova remnant on large angular scales. Thedetection of a black hole in a remnant would upend some prevalent ideasregarding black hole birth events. The sensitivity and broad field of view andof XMM-Newton offer the best chance to detect a putative remnant in X-rays. Werequest a 10 ks (total) observation to image the field around the source.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-09-24T04:08:48Z/2020-09-24T09:08:48Z
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 Jon Miller, 2021, 'A Stellar-mass Black Hole in a Bubble or SNR', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-dhhj7fh
