XMM-Newton Space Telescope

The XMM-Newton (X-ray Multimirror Misson-Newton) is an orbiting X-ray observatory launched by ESA in December 1999. It is in a highly elliptical orbit with apogee 114,000 km and perigee 7000 km. The intended observations for XMM Newton include the detection of X-ray emissions from Solar System objects and detailed studies of star-forming regions. One of the star-forming regions that has been observed is M-16, the Eagle Nebula.