| Description |
We propose to complete, by an additional 5 deg2, the XMM-LSS Survey region
overlying the Spitzer/SWIRE field. This field already has CFHTLS and Integral
coverage, and will encompass about 10 deg2. The resulting multi-wavelength
medium-depth survey, which complements XMM and Chandra deep surveys, will
provide a unique view of large-scale structure over a wide range of redshift,
and will show active galaxies in the full range of environments. The complete
coverage by optical and IR surveys provides high-quality photometric redshifts,
so that cosmological results can quickly be extracted. In the spirit of a Legacy
survey, we will make the raw X-ray data immediately public. Multi-band
catalogues and images will also be made available on short time scales. |
| 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. |
