GT-It is well established that merging galactic systems can result in extremelypowerful starburst phenomena. Previous evidence is based mostly on infraredobservations. However it is equally important to understand the role of X-rayemission, to determine the temperature, metallicity and emission measure of theextended plasma. This will constrain the energetics of the expulsion, withimplications for the properties of the nuclear starburst. The targets areselected to cover morphologies ranging from extended tidal structures to morecompact merging systems with double nuclei. The results will have widerimplications for understanding the phenomenon in more distant galaxies, and interms of the contribution of starburst galaxies to the XRB.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-05-06T23:19:58Z/2001-12-15T09:36:25Z
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, 2003, 'X-rays from Merging Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-d6lhy6c
