A ..fossil group. is the proposed end-point of the complete coalescence ofa group of galaxies. It is characterised by a single, giant elliptical sitting in an extended X-ray halo and to date, a handful of such systems have been found. However, the exact nature of these systems - how the really formed, their contribution to the mass density of the universe - remains unknown. We propose here XMM EPIC observations towards three new ..fossil groups. detected in the Bright SHARC X-ray survey. These data will allow us to address fundamental questions about this new population of objectse.g. by accurately determining the total masses of these systems and by testing their proposed evolutionary history through the observed structure and metallicity of the gas.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-04-23T22:59:15Z/2002-06-04T18:52:35Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Prof Bob Nichol, 2003, '''Fossil Groups.. in the Bright SHARC Survey', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fzx34ef
