XMM-Newton Users Handbook

4 Observing with XMM-Newton

XMM-Newton observes with all instruments simultaneously, brightness limits and other constraints permitting. All instruments can be operated independently (i.e., the exposure times of individual instruments are not coupled to each other) and observers will receive the science data of all science instruments operating during an observation.

When planning XMM-Newton observations, several boundary conditions must be taken into account. The constraining parameters are listed in this section. The available SOC services listed in section 7 aid in planning XMM-Newton observations. The Target Visibility Checker can be used to determine the times of visibility of a given target. To avoid duplications, the Target Search Tool and the list of Pending Anticipated ToO and Triggered Observations can be used to search for performed and planned observations.
Users are encouraged to inspect the outcome of performed observations when planning to apply for new data.