We propose to investigate the spectrum of X-ray emission from the edge of the recently discovered Galactic gamma-ray features known as the Fermi bubbles. The bubbles extend 50 degrees above and below the Galactic center, with a width of about 40 degrees in longitude. These structures could result from a large-scale accretion driven outflow on the central black hole, or winds from a nuclear starburst. ROSAT X-ray maps (bands R6 and R7) show closely related features with a relatively hard spectrum. This spectrum may be thermal bremsstrahlung emission from Tvirgul10^7 K gas, or may contain significant line emission. The proposed observations can distinguish between these two alternatives.
Publication
No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument
EPN, RGS1, OM, RGS2, EMOS1, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-09-13T08:09:54Z/2012-03-31T00:55:19Z
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.
