We propose to observe the cluster of galaxies A 478 in order to perform spatial-ly resolved spectroscopy with the RGS. A 478 is an ideal target for this sinceit has a FWHM of only 1.6 arcmin, allowing a high spectral resolution with theRGS and an almost complete coverage of the cooling flow region. In particular wewill study the temperature and abundance distribution within the central regionusing the RGS. A478 has a very strong cooling flow and shows a considerableradially decreasing absorbing column density. The EPIC observations willsupplement this for the outer regions of the cluster, where we will study theabundance and temperature gradients as well as investigate the existence ofnon-thermal components.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-02-15T14:52:08Z/2002-02-17T02:58:40Z
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 Albert Brinkman, 2003, 'High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of the cluster of galaxies A 478', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wk6pqwp
