We propose to observe the northwest radio relic of the cluster Abell 2256 for40 ksec in order to localize the non-thermal hard X-ray emission recentlydetected by BeppoSAX. The energy range and the spectral capabilities of EPICare able to detect the non-thermal radiation considering the low gas temperatureof the relic likely associated with the ongoing merger of a subcluster with themain cluster. Besides, we can firmly verify the suggested link between particleacceleration processes due to merger events and the formation of extended radioregions and non-thermal X-ray emission.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-27T13:44:43Z/2003-06-30T16:45:48Z
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 Roberto Fusco-Femiano, 2004, 'SPATIAL ORIGIN OF THE NON-THERMAL X-RAY EMISSION IN THE CLUSTER A2256', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-39uk5wz
