A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Proposal ID 088403
Title Probing the variable nature of a new Ultraluminous X-Ray Source in NGC 3621
Download Data Associated to the proposal

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0884030101
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0884030201

DOI https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-em0mumb
Principal Investigator, PI Dr Sara Elisa Motta
Abstract A new ULX was recently discovered in the nearby galaxy NGC 3621 in the archivalXMM-Newton data, which shows extremely marked variability - unique among theknown ULXs - reminiscent of the so-called heartbeats, a type of variabilitypattern observed in only a handful of systems. The archival data yieldedcontradictory information on the nature of the compact object powering XMMJ111816.0-324910, partly due to the limited quality of the data, and to thelimited understanding of the heartbeat phenomenon. We propose a Target ofOpportunity observation of XMM J111816.0-324910 for a total of 120ks, to obtaina better understanding of the properties of J1118 by means of detailed spectraland timing analysis. This ToO will be triggered based on approved Swift observations.
Publications No publications found for current proposal!
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2023-06-21T16:13:47Z/2023-06-23T06:00:27Z
Version 20.10_20230417_1156
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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2024-07-14T00:00:00Z
Last Update 2025-01-27
Keywords XMM-Newton, OM, RGS, EPIC, X-ray, Multi-Mirror, SAS
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Sara Elisa Motta, 2024, 'Probing the variable nature of a new Ultraluminous X-Ray Source in NGC 3621', 20.10_20230417_1156, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-em0mumb