A dataset provided by the European Space Agency

Name 065509
Title First X-ray obs of a Main-Belt Comet: linking X-ray astronomy to astrobiology
URL

https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0655090401
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0655090431
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0655090432
https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0655090433

DOI https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lmfqw47
Author Dr Konrad Dennerl
Description We propose to utilize the unprecedented sensitivity of XMM-Newton in the soft
X-ray range for the first ever X-ray study of a Main-Belt Comet (MBC).
Discovered only recently, MBCs constitute a fundamentally new and distinct class
of objects: asteroids exhibiting cometary activity, which is most likely driven
by the sublimation of water ice. This has far-reaching implications for our
understanding where our oceans came from. The evidence for water ice in MBCs,
however, is only circumstantial yet, as optical spectra are dominated by dust.
The situation is complementary for solar wind charge exchange induced X-rays,
which are a sensitive tracer of tenuous amounts of gas. Thus, with the direct
detection of gas, XMM would make a substantial contribution to astrobiology.
Publication No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage 2010-10-20T20:46:37Z/2010-10-21T17:36:03Z
Version 17.56_20190403_1200
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.
Creator Contact https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk
Date Published 2011-11-18T00:00:00Z
Publisher And Registrant European Space Agency
Credit Guidelines European Space Agency, Dr Konrad Dennerl, 2011, 065509, 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lmfqw47