It is proposed to observe the X-ray emission of three edge-on galaxies known to possess extended halos of diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in order to search for an associated hot phase of the interstellar medium (ISM) in their halo. Since models of the ISM describe the presence of halo gas in the context of a large scale transport of matter from the disk into the halo, which is driven by the star formation in the underlying disk, the presence of DIG in the halo is a very good indicator for such a process in action. The spatial distribution and spectral information of the halo gas obtained with XMM will allow us to answer some important questions with regard to the transport mechanisms and energetics of the disk-halo connection.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-11-24T23:55:18Z/2002-05-11T03:25:53Z
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 Ralf-Juergen Dettmar, 2003, 'X-rays from galactic fountain flows in three edge-on galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-mg1ip0e
