We propose two NuSTAR observations of the M81 disk that together withexisting observations of its bulge will provide complete coverage ofits X-ray binary populations down to luminosities of 10^38 erg/s. Theseobservations together with a wealth of existing HST and multi-wavelengthdata will allow us to fully characterize its X-ray binary populations onthe basis of their compact objects and donor stars. This will provide acomplete picture of the demographics of the compact objects in a typicalspiral galaxy and together with population synthesis models will allow us toconstrain their formation and evolution paths.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-11-14T07:34:24Z/2020-11-16T16:15:01Z
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 Andreas Zezas, 2021, 'DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE COMPACT OBJECT POPULATIONS OF M81', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-fuhmu9d
