Current galaxy formation theory predicts that large disk galaxies are embeddedin hot gaseous haloes. Previous observations of high surface brightness (HSB)galaxies show that the predicted X-ray luminosities are too high by one orderof magnitude. We propose to shed further light on this discrepancy by obtaining10 ks exposures of three giant low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies. Incontrast to HSB galaxies, the mass distributions in these LSB systems are knownto large radii through HI studies. Their low star formation activity makes lossof gas through galactic winds improbable. Substantial X-ray haloes should thus be seen. Combined with extensive ground-based data, these observations will provide a critical test of current ideas about how galaxies form.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-06-03T21:22:02Z/2002-06-13T23:48:46Z
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 Shude Mao, 2003, 'EPIC Observations of Giant Low Surface Brightness Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-w3kpgpk
