Proposal Details - 0920001
Regular and frequent INTEGRAL monitoring of the Galactic Bulge region (Kuulkers)

Proposal Abstract

The Galactic bulge region is a rich host of variable X-ray and gamma-ray point sources. Since AO-3 INTEGRAL is monitoring about 140 of them with one hexagonal pattern about every 3 days, whenever it is visible by INTEGRAL. Due to the high scientific return and in order to preserve the continuity with respect to past observations of this ever-changing region, it is proposed to continue the successful program. The main aim is to monitor and actively report on any (transient) activity; in the long run the program will provide regular and homogeneous inputs about the soft and hard-X-ray (transient) population, as well as on the accretion regimes in the various types of binary systems. Because of the new format since AO-7 and as a service to the scientific community, the observations are to be made public immediately. It is intended to continue to make the IBIS/ISGRI and JEM-X quick-look results publicly available through the web as soon as possible after the data are made available, so to preserve the possibility for rapid follow-up by the community.

Observation Strategy (Recommended by TAC)

Total of 504 ks using the standard HEX pattern centered on RA, Dec = 266.400, -28.933 (l, b = 0, 0.005), split into 40 fixed time observations of 12.6 ks each (each exposure lasts 1800 sec), done approximately every INTEGRAL orbit when the Galactic bulge region is visible.

Proposal grade: A

Data Rights (Recommended by TAC)

All data are public

Exposure Map

The exposure maps are in galactic coordinates using the Aitoff projection and units of seconds, and the colour scale is indicated at the bottom. The green lines provide the 100, 300 and 500 ksec contour.