XMM-Newton observations of very faint X-ray transients

We propose 35 ksec observations during the outbursts of veryfaint Xraytransients, which are newly identified enigmatic transients which areunderluminous by orders of magnitude compared to the well known brighttransients. The nature of these objects is not clear but they likely harbortransiently accreting compact objects (although some might be transientmagnetars or a type as yet unidentified). Our proposed observations will allowus to study in detail the Xray spectra of these sources as well as performdetailed timing studies (e.g., to search for pulsations, dips/eclipses, bursts)with which we can significantly improve our understanding of these systems. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]