Abstract for Proposal 096233
XMM follow up of Einstein-Probe transients in the local Universe
We propose to build on the guaranteed stream of discoveries of
extragalactic X-ray transients by the Wide-field X-ray Telescope
(WXT) onboard the Einstein Probe (EP) and carry out XMM follow up
observations of up to 4 EP/WXT sources during the 3-yr duration of
this ToO program. Our program focuses on extragalactic EP/WXT sources
associated with galaxies in the local universe. Our primary goals are
(i) to constrain the later evolution of the X-ray emission and (ii) to
pinpoint the nature of the X-ray source. This effort will open a new
window of discovery on a variety of poorly characterized transients,
including shock break outs from stellar explosion (of which only one
bona-fide example is known), low-luminosity GRBs and FBOTs. .
Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
Triggering Criteria: EP/WXT source at Galactic latitude >10deg, either
uncatalogued or with reported flux in clear excess to known X-ray sources,
with solid association (P<5% chance coincidence) with a galaxy in the
local universe. Response time: 2-4 days