NuSTAR users can propose to observe with additional facilities in support of their proposed NuSTAR observations.The NuSTAR mission
has established joint observing programs with X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton), Neil Gehrels Swift observatory (Swift), and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), which enable NuSTAR General Observer (GO)
proposers to obtain data from any (or a combination) of these facilities together with NuSTAR for correlated studies. Proposals requesting joint observations must clearly justify the need for the XMM-Newton, Neil Gehrels Swift,
and/or XRISM observations in order to accomplish the science
goals of the NuSTAR investigation.
Details of these joint programs are provided below.
XMM-Newton NuSTAR and XMM-Newton have an arrangement which makes available joint observing time for both observatories.
Proposals for joint NuSTAR/XMM-Newton programs will be accepted
up to a total of 1.5 Ms of XMM-Newton observing time. Joint proposals must
provide a compelling justification of the need for both the
NuSTAR and XMM-Newton
data for achieving the primary science goals and receive a Category A, B
or L rating to be considered for acceptance. No XMM-Newton observing time will
be awarded without the need for NuSTAR observing time on the same target.
XMM-Newton data sets obtained through approved joint NuSTAR/XMM-Newton
proposals have the standard XMM-Newton exclusive-use period.
Swift
The NuSTAR and Swift teams have established an agreement in which Swift observing time up
to 150 ks per year is made available for coordinated observations with NuSTAR.
The science investigations supported under this program are restricted to those that are enhanced by the combination of NuSTAR data
and observations using the Swift observatory. Proposals requesting joint Swift observations must demonstrate the unique value
of adding Swift exposures for the proposed science and present a full
and detailed feasibility case in its support.
Joint observations with Swift must be receive a Category A, B, and L to be approved for observations.
No Swift observing time will be awarded without the need for NuSTAR observing time
on the same target. The award of time shall occur without further scientific review by the Swift mission.
Proposers are strongly encouraged to
carefully read the Neil Gehrels Swift/NuSTAR memorandum of understanding.
Neil Gehrels Swift data sets obtained through approved joint NuSTAR/Gehrels
Swift proposals will not be proprietary and will be immediately released publicly
via the HEASARC data archive. Note that for most NuSTAR pointings, 1–2 ks
"snapshot" observations are routinely performed by Neil Gehrels Swift (unless
there are multiple observations of the same target, coordinated NuSTAR
observations with other X-ray observatories, and during times of Gamma-Ray
Bursts and Neil Gehrels Swift ToOs) without the need for a specific joint
observing proposal.
The Swift project will perform feasibility checks on the proposed observations and
reserves the right to reject any requests determined to be technically unfeasible for any reason.
Proposers intending to request joint NuSTAR-Swift observations are strongly encouraged
to first review the mission specific information from Swift
Technical Handbook or the Swift GI webpage.
XRISM XRISM has made up to 500 ks available to NuSTAR proposers who wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
The exclusive use period for XRISM data obtained in this joint program will be subject to the
default 12 month proprietary period. NuSTAR observations will be scheduled to overlap XRISM observations on a best effort basis.
Joint observations with XRISM must be receive a Category A, B, L to be approved for observations.
No XRISM observing time will be awarded without the need for NuSTAR observing time on the same target. NuSTAR/XRISM Phase-1
proposals selected through this Call for Proposals are eligible for funding solely through the NuSTAR GO program.
The XRISM General Observer Facility will perform feasibility checks on
the proposed observations and reserves the right to reject any observation
determined for any reason to be technically unfeasible or in violation of the policies
governing XRISM GO observations. Note that neither generic TOO
targets nor multi-cycle programs are allowed for XRISM.
Such a rejection would likely affect the entire proposed science program and could impact the award of NuSTAR observing time as well.
Selected proposals will be allocated XRISM observing
time without additional scientific review, if judged technically feasible.
