8th XMM-Newton SAS Workshop

8th XMM-Newton SAS Workshop, 24 - 27 June, 2008

(click for pdf poster)

Motivation and rationale

The 8th XMM-Newton Science Analysis System (SAS) Workshop aims at providing XMM-Newton users, having little or no experience of XMM-Newton data analysis, with an introduction to the procedures and techniques to successfully reduce and analyse XMM-Newton data. No specific knowledge of X-ray data analysis is required to attend the workshop, although a general knowledge of XMM-Newton and its scientific payload is desirable. We recommend the workshop participants to get acquainted with the XMM-Newton Users' Handbook prior to the Workshop. Those wishing to familiarise themselves with the SAS may refer to the SAS Users' Guide. The presentations from previous workshops are also available via the here.

Workshop structure

The 4-day workshop is organised around 4 half-days of presentations and 4 half-days of practical training (hands-on) sessions.

The presentations will cover basic topics related to XMM-Newton data analysis and SAS, such as:

• Introduction to X-ray data analysis
• Statistics issues in X-ray spectral analysis
• XMM-Newton instrument and calibration status
• SAS installation and set-up
• SAS data reduction meta-tasks
• Spectral analysis of point-like sources with EPIC and RGS
• Spectral analysis of extended sources with EPIC
• EPIC source detection
• OM data analysis for imaging and timing modes (lenticular filters and grisms)
• Processing Pipeline System products
• The XMM-Newton Science Archive
• The EPIC Serendipitous Source Catalogue (2XMM)
• The Slew Survey EPIC Source Catalogue

During the hands-on training sessions the participants, supported by XMM-Newton scientists, will have the opportunity to accomplish reduction tasks on XMM-Newton public datasets drawn from the XMM-Newton Science Archive. Participants may use their own data as well, if they wish. Workstations will be available for participants, who may otherwise bring their own laptop.

Pre-registration

Interested persons are invited to send an email to: xmmhelp@sciops.esa.int no later than April 24, 2008.

Please specify in the subject line:

Subject: interest in participating in the 8th XMM-Newton SAS Workshop

and providing the following information:

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Registration f(r)ee

No fee is required to attend the workshop.

Venue

The Workshop will be held at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) of the European Space Agency (ESA). It is the main centre for science operations of ESA science mission, as well as a research centre in (mostly) space-based astrophysics.

Please, be aware that ESAC is not easy to reach with public transportation. A bus shuttle will be organised during the Workshop, free of charge for the Workshop participants.

Workshop participants can have lunch at the ESAC canteen. The cost of a typical meal is around 5 Euro.

Accommodation

A block of rooms will be reserved in San Lorenzo del Escorial at the approximate price of about 80 Euros + V.A.T. The shuttle bus service will be organised from/to the recommended hotel only.

How to Contact Us

For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the XMM-Newton Science Operation Centre HelpDesk at URL:   http://xmm.esac.esa.int/external/xmm_user_support/helpdesk.shtml.

SAS Workshop Local Organising Committee

• Michelle Arpizou
• Carlos Gabriel
• Matteo Guainazzi (Chair)
• Nora Loiseau
• Eduardo Ojero
• Martin Stühlinger