The galaxy M82 harbors two notable ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULX): M82 X-2,the archetipal pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source (PULX), and M82 X-1, a IMBHcandidate. The extreme luminosity of ULXs, and the observation of strong windsfrom these sources, suggests that these sources are undergoing stronglysuper-Eddington accretion. The supply of matter that powers these accretingsystems is likely to come from Roche Lobe overflow from a more massive companionstar, and should produce changes of orbital period observable in time scales ofvirgulyears. This program aims at detecting this orbital period derivative throughpulsar timing in M82 X-2, and study in detail the quasi-periodic oscillationsfrom both ULXs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-04-06T22:43:54Z/2021-04-17T07:16:20Z
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 Matteo Bachetti, 2022, 'BROADBAND TIMING OF THE ULTRALUMINOUS X-RAY SOURCES IN M82: ORBITAL DECAY comma QPOS', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-ei31e98
