XMM-Newton-NEWS


XMM-NEWTON NEWS #9,    31-Aug-2001

ESA, XMM-Newton Science Operations Centre at
European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC)
P.O. Box - Apdo. 50727, 28080 Madrid, Spain

SOC Home Page: http://xmm.esac.esa.int/
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Contents:



Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to invite you to respond to the 2nd "Announcement of Opportunity" by submitting proposals for observations to be performed with the XMM-Newton observatory.

XMM-Newton is the second cornerstone of ESA's Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It was launched by an Ariane 5 launcher on 10th December 1999 and offers astronomers a unique opportunity to perform high throughput non-dispersive spectroscopic imaging in the energy range from 0.1 keV to 15 keV (European Photon Imaging Camera; EPIC) and medium resolution dispersive spectroscopy (Reflection Grating Spectrometer; RGS) in the energy range from 0.4 keV to 2.4 keV. In addition it provides simultaneous optical/UV observations with a co-aligned telescope (Optical Monitor; OM). I am particularly happy to be able to offer a possibility for joint ESO/XMM-Newton and Chandra/XMM-Newton proposals in this AO. This Announcement solicits proposals to be carried out in the period from July 2002 to July 2003. Proposers from all over the world are welcome to participate. All proposals will be subject to independent peer review by the XMM-Newton Observing Time Allocation Committee (OTAC). Potential proposers are expected to prepare and submit proposals in electronic form by the deadline given below using the XMM-Newton Remote Proposal Submission software.

The documentation for this Announcement is available via the internet:
http://xmm.esac.esa.int/user/AO2/ao2_top.html The appendix to this announcement lists the relevant documents and explains in detail how to access them. I would appreciate it if you would distribute the attached information at your home institute.

The key milestones for this Announcement are:
Announcement of Opportunity 31 August 2001
Due date for Proposals 11 October 2001 (12:00 UT)
Final OTAC approved programme early March 2002

Although the funding of the XMM-Newton observatory beyond 31st March 2002 has not been formally secured yet there is a strong will on the part of the science directorate to ensure the extension. Hence, I feel able to invite you to submit your proposals and wish you success in using the XMM-Newton observatory.


Yours sincerely,

Prof. D. Southwood
Director
ESA Scientific Programme