An analysis of XMM-Newton data of M31

Abstract

Two observations by X-Ray satellite XMM-Newton of the Andromeda galaxy have been examined. Relevant radiative processes are explained. Extracting information from sources is done using the XMM-Newton software. Both light curves and spectra are made. These are the main tools for identification. Furthermore, variability, hardness ratios and luminosities are calculated. These help classify a source. Twelve bright sources are classified. Three sources are more interesting and are investigated further. These include the first microquasar ever found outside our galaxy, a super soft source and a Z source candidate, of which only nine are known.