Abstract: | I discuss open questions regarding accreting black holes in binary systems, focusing on two questions: can we measure the spins of black holes and what is the nature of the ultraluminous X‐ray sources. XMM‐Newton could make significant strides in answering these questions and others over the next ten years. I suggest two observational programs designed to help increase our understanding of accreting black holes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) |