XMM-Newton: Status and scientific perspective

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, X-ray astronomy has become firmly established as an essential window on the universe. We review some selected scientific highlights based on observations made with XMM-Newton during the most recent few years of its 16-year operation. These range from studies of objects in our solar system to topics in cosmology. Now, as the XMM-Newton mission moves toward its second decade, we look forward and describe some new areas that are likely to produce exciting advances. Future programs will no doubt be a blend of pursuing current productive themes and original ground-breaking projects, either as stand-alone X-ray observations or in conjunctions with new major ground- and space-based facilities.