We propose a 80 ks XMM-Newton monitoring campaign to cover 5 nights ofVLTI-Gravity guaranteed time observations of Sgr A*, during the spring of 2021.At that time, Sgr A* will be visible from Paranal for virgul3.5-4 hr each night.Simultaneous X-ray and NIR observations will allow us to extract the bestscience from both European projects. This deep XMM-Newton exposure will alsoallow us to monitor the evolution of the reflection component off the clouds ofthe Sgr A molecular complex, therefore to further constrain Sgr A*.s pastactivity and the cloud 3-dimensional distribution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-03-28T06:52:43Z/2021-03-31T12:56:53Z
Version
19.16_20210326_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 Gabriele Ponti, 2022, 'XMM-Newton coverage of Gravity observations', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-2zwuht6
