The finding and subsequent study of high z clusters of galaxies is very important for cosmology as it puts constraints on the rates and physical processes of structure formation. We propose to observe two newly discovered very distant cluster candidates with XMM. Both clusters were found in the EIS survey with subsequent infrared follow-up observations - an approach which recently proved to be a powerful tool to find high z clusters, which emits inX-rays. Both candidates, with estimated redshifts of zvirgul1.7 and zvirgul1.2 show veryhigh galaxy overdensities, and are thus very likely to be already evolvedsystems. With the XMM data we will be able to determine the X-ray luminositiesof these sources down to low fluxes. Physical studies will be possible if they
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-09-30T23:12:12Z/2001-10-07T10:21:22Z
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 Monique Arnaud, 2002, 'X-ray study of two newly discovered very distant clusters of galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-7h5dhgt
