XMM Users' Handbook

   
XMM proposal preparation

In order to estimate the feasibility of an XMM observing proposal, users will need information from the following sources:

1.

For all observations of targets with ``simple'' spectral characteristics, i.e., observations of point source targets with spectra that can be approximated by simple, single-component models to estimate the expected count rate for a given flux (as used for the production of the figures displaying the expected flux to count rate conversion factors above), the information contained in the instrument-specific chapters of this document should suffice.

2.

For more complicated source geometries and/or spectra, modeling with SciSim or the use of PIMMS or xspec might be required.

3.

To scale count rates from previous X-ray satellite missions to XMM, it is recommended to use PIMMS.

4.

Target visibility can be assessed using the XMM Target Visibility Tool.

5.

To check during which XMM orbits a certain position angle can be achieved in order to avoid nearby sources during RGS (or OM grism) observations, see § 4.4.