GT-We propose to observe two X-ray bright clusters, A2256 and A754, with themain goals to obtain temperature maps and highly resolved surface brightnessmaps. Both clusters are known to show temperature variations, as has beenmeasured by ROSAT and ASCA, and significant substructure. Both is interpretedas the result of an ongoing merging event. The proposed measurements will allowto determine the spatially resolved gas temperature down to the square-acrminlevel as well as in rings out to the virial radius. Together with the obtainedsurface brightness maps, this will allow to determine the dynamical state ofthe clusters and their gravitational mass. The maps will also be used tofine-tune hydrodynamical simulations of merging clusters.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-05-14T06:06:56Z/2001-05-14T19:40:51Z
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, 2002, 'Temperature Map and Structure of two Merging Clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xml22qv
