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ESA's X-ray space telescope proves supernova can cause mysterious gamma-ray bursts

4 April 2002

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This artist's impression illustrates how a gamma-ray burst can flare dramatically over a short time period. Gamma-ray bursts can occur as often as several time a day but they last for no longer than a couple of minutes. There is no way to predict when or where they will next occur. ESA missions such as XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL and Ulysses study these mysterious, powerful bursts. Copyright: ESA 2002. Illustration by Medialab

Credits: Copyright: ESA 2002. Illustration by Medialab

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ESA's XMM-Newton is the most sensitive X-ray telescope ever built. Its high-technology design uses over 170 wafer-thin cylindrical mirrors spread over three telescopes.

Its orbit takes it almost a third of the way to the Moon, so that astronomers can enjoy long, uninterrupted views of celestial objects.

This unique X-ray observatory was launched by Ariane 5 from the European spaceport at Kourou in French Guiana on 10 December 1999. It derives its name from its X-ray multi-mirror design and honours Sir Isaac Newton.

Credits: ESA - D. Ducros