We propose to do high throughput spatially resolved spectroscopy, with XMM, on asample of 4 cool clusters (1.5<T<3 keV) in the redshift range z=0.04-0.06. Wewere granted time for the 2 first clusters, MKW9 and A1983 in AO1. The othertwo clusters, A1991 and A2717, are now proposed for AO2. XMM/EPIC is the bestinstrument to measure accurately, up to at least half the virial radius, the gasentropy distribution, the relative content and distribution of the gas and darkmatter, the abundance of Iron and alpha elements and their gradients. This iskey information to identify the origin of the entropy floor observed inclusters. This will allow a major step forward in our understanding of clusterformation and evolution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-12-26T13:13:38Z/2003-02-16T21:59:45Z
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 Monique ARNAUD, 2004, 'XMM observation of cool clusters: identifying the source of the entropy floor', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-911415r
