We propose an RGS observation of the BL Lac object 4U 0543-31 (z=0.069) whoseline of sight crosses the cluster A S549(z=0.04) in order to study the physical properties of the hot gas in that cluster via resonance absorption lines. Weexpecto to measure intracluster gas coronal temperature and relative abundancesof various elements, densities as well as measure or otherwise constrainturbulent velocities of which very little is known. If the cluster emission canbe disentangled from that of the BL Lac in the EPIC images, we shall be able toestimate the distance to the cluster. This proposal is a pioneering experiment that will be a pathfinder for future studies of the diffuse warm or hot intergalactic medium.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-10-11T12:16:16Z/2002-10-12T14:31:17Z
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 Xavier Barcons, 2003, 'Diagnosing intracluster hot gas with resonance absorption lines', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-oso6kcy
