The X-ray source population of the Andromeda galaxy M 31

We propose a deep homogeneous survey of M31 down to a limiting point sourceluminosity of 10E35 erg/s which will include all active XRBs. M31 is a milestoneproject for Xray astronomy. Given its proximity it is the ultimate target for adetailed Xray inventory of an archetypal lowstarformationrate galaxy likeour own. We will study M31 XRBs and GC sources, SSSs, SNRs and the hot ISM incontrast to fore and background objects. The observations will provide highquality spectra and light curves, allowing source classification through PDS andmodelling of their SED. The population characteristics of HMXBs and LMXBs willprovide independent constraints on the star formation history of M31, the LG ingeneral, as well as constraints on the formation channels of compact objects. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]