We propose a 130 ks XMM-Newton observation of RX J1301.9+2747 (RX J1302), thesecond AGN where X-ray Quasi-periodic Eruptions (QPEs) have been discovered,coordinated with 10 hours of VLA radio observations. First discovered in thegalaxy GSN 069 (Miniutti et al. 2019, Nature 573, 381), QPEs are unprecedentedvariability patterns formed by recurrent, rapid outbursts of X-ray light. Whilethe QPEs in GSN 069 last about one hour and repeat about every nine hours, theQPEs in RX J1302 are much shorter, and their variability pattern is not clear. Anew long XMM-Newton observation will allow to unveil what is the variabilitypattern of the QPEs in RX J1302; coordinated radio observations will helpconstraining the physical nature of this newly discovered phenomenon.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-07-11T16:03:34Z/2020-07-13T06:58:34Z
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 Margherita Giustini, 2021, 'Revealing the Pattern of X-ray Quasi-periodic Eruptions in RX J1301.9+2747', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-bpdfcs0
