Ultraluminous infrared galaxies serve as local laboratoriesto investigate the formation of elliptical galaxies andquasars, the chemical enrichment and heating of theintra-cluster medium (ICM), and the nature of the recently-discoveredSCUBA sub-mm sources. X-ray data are essential to address two major topics:(1) What is the impact of the mechanical energy supplied by theultraluminous starburst and/or AGN on the ISM of the galaxy and the ICM.(2) What energetic role do dust-shrouded AGN play in ultraluminous galaxies.Previous X-ray observatories lacked the sensitivity and spectro-spatialresolution to settle these issues. Our proposed XMM observations will create a well-observed sample of the eight nearest and brightest ultraluminous galaxies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-17T19:06:37Z/2001-11-12T18:38:31Z
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, Prof Timothy Heckman, 2003, 'The X-Ray Properties of Ultraluminous Galaxies: Cosmological Implications', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-exanysu
