Abstract for Proposal 084014
Revealing the Accretion Flow in a Bright TDE with XMM-Newton
We propose to continue targeting bright TDEs with the unique capabilities
of XMM-Newton, via a rapid TOO and a 1-orbit exposure. Prior executions of
this program have detected X-ray QPOs, disk reflection, and reverberation
from the inner disk in Swift J1644+57, and potentially even material
on eccentric orbits at the edge of a natal disk in ASASSN-14li. Unique,
early priority access to data from the Zwicky Transient Factory and the
XMM Slew Survey will help us to obtain triggers for this program. This
access will facilitate our central goals of revealing the earliest phases
of disk and outflow formation, and super- Eddington accretion. Our effort
will be aided by Swift X-ray and U/B/V monitoring, HST UV spectroscopy,
as well as Chandra, NuSTAR, and NICER.
Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
We request an observation of an X-ray bright TDE, soon after
discovery. We can obtain triggers via the Swift/BAT, MAXI, Astrosat,
and NICER. We also have special access to ZTF triggers that we can
follow with the Swift XRT. Finally, we can obtain triggers from the
XMM Slew Survey (R. Saxton is a Co-I). Our trigger threshold is F > 1
E-11 erg/cm^2/s in a standard X-ray band (0.3-10 or 3-10 keV). An
observation within 1-->several orbits will be sufficient to meet our
goals.