| Description |
Single reflection data is seen as a very useful tool in diagnosing the X-ray
telescope parameters. Comparison of data with simulations will allow evaluation
of the accuracy of the telescope system within the calibration, and hopefully
lead to insights in the absolute flux calibration. Typical single reflections
seen are those from the hyperbola (those from the parabola are too close) which
originate from virgul 20. - 80. off-axis. Archival data shows clear reflection arcs
are obtained from off-axis point sources, such as Sco X-1, which, due to its
brightness, is a useful target in this regard. The pointings will form a cross,
centred on Sco X-1, with four arms, each containing a set of seven pointings
at offset angles of 79.0, 71.5, 64.0, 56.5, 49.0, 41.5 and 34.0 arcmins respectively. |
| Mission Description |
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
