GT- Hierarchical merging implies that clusters are assembled by the merger of smaller systems - however the effect of the merger process on clusters and their galaxies is still poorly understood. We propose to use the EPICspectral imagers to map the state of the intracluster medium in a sampleconsisting of the brightest merging clusters in the redshift range which is optimum for XMM. These systems cover a range of merger stages, and of massratios between the merging components. This will enable us to explore thedevelopment of shock heating, cooling flow disruption, gas mixing and galaxystripping through the merger process. Such a study is essential if we are tobe able to model the evolution of clusters, and of the galaxies within them.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-08-17T22:50:07Z/2002-12-07T11:47:52Z
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 Martin Turner, 2004, 'Hierarchical Merging and the Intracluster Medium', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cwwyaay
