GT-We propose to observe 3 X-ray bright galaxy clusters with the main goalsto obtain temperature maps and highly resolved surface brightness maps. Nearbygalaxy clusters are known to show temperature variations, as has been measuredby ROSAT and ASCA, and all show significant substructure. Both is interpretedas the result of ongoing merging events. The proposed measurements will allow todetermine the spatially resolved gas temperature down to the square-arcmin levelas well as in rings out to the virial radius. Together with the obtained surfacebrightness maps, this will allow to determine the dynamical state of theclusters and their gravitational mass. The maps will also be used to fine-tunehydrodynamical simulations of merging clusters.
Instrument
RGS1, EPN, RGS2, EMOS1, OM, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-09-20T21:00:19Z/2003-03-15T21:20:54Z
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 Bernd Aschenbach, 2004, 'Temperature Map and Structure of 3 Galaxy Clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-4wx6hgp
