We propose a snapshot (5 ks) XMM observation of an extended X-ray sourcedetected in a ROSAT PSPC image as part of our serendipitous cluster survey.It has no optical counterparts down to faint magnitude limits in R and I. Apossible nature of this source is either optically dark, but X-ray brightcluster, or a hot (T>8 keV) cluster at a very high redshift (z>1). The goalof the proposed XMM observation, that utilizes the large area and goodangular resolution of XMM, is to determine unambiguously whether the X-raysource is extended. This would provide a basis for deeper X-rayobservations, and very deep infrared and radio followup.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-11-12T20:10:02Z/2001-11-12T22:56:01Z
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 Alexey Vikhlinin, 2002, 'Possible very distant or optically dark cluster of galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-s2gx5yc
