High resolution X-ray data of IC1262 and Stephan.s Quintet haverevealed features with unusual morphologies that are interpreted in theframework of shock-heating of the intergalactic gas as a result ofinfall of new material, interaction and/or merging phenomena.These 2 groups have significantly different properties: IC1262 is Spiral-poorand apparently unperturbed, Stephan.s Quintet is Spiral-rich anddisplays strong signs of dynamical interaction. We propose XMM observationsthat will allow us to study the spectral properties of the shock features to better understand their nature. The comparison between them will enable usto further our understanding of environmental dependencies and/or evolutionary phases in the formation and evolution of poor groups.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-12-07T18:38:45Z/2003-02-07T07:54:17Z
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, Dr Ginevra Trinchieri, 2004, 'Shocks in groups', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-r8b7yvw
