The radial temperature profile of the X-ray emitting intra-clustermedium (ICM) is key observable in determining the total gravitationalmass of clusters of galaxies. To date different studies (ROSAT, ASCAand BeppoSAX) have found conflicting results regarding temperaturegradients in clusters. We propose to observe the outer clusterregions (i.e., > 50\%-60\% of the virial radius), of three nearbyrelaxed clusters, to definitely assess whether a temperature decline ispresent in these regions and, in presence of a gradient, to determinethe slope of the temperature profile, which carries importantinformation on the thermodynamical status of the ICM.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-08-10T06:12:26Z/2003-08-10T14:56:14Z
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 Sabrina De Grandi, 2004, 'Measuring ICM Temperatures at Large Radii in Rich Clusters of Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-t5uxsg1
