We propose a study of the hot gas distribution in two galaxies suspected toundergo ram pressure effects: an apparantly isolated spiral NGC 4414 and a Virgo Cluster object NGC 4254. The proposed targets show only weak signs of external influences in the optical domain. However, their magnetic fields, tracing the diffuse ionized gas, show strong effects of external influences. We propose a study of the hot diffuse X-ray emitting gas to build up a physical scenario oftheir interactions and to distinguish between basic interaction mechanisms:gravitational encounters and the ram pressure stripping. The second possibilityimplies that the ablation by the external gas may be important even in galaxiesthought to be isolated or those located in cluster outskirts.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-06-29T09:44:25Z/2003-06-29T23:53:38Z
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 Matthias Ehle, 2004, 'Hot gas and magnetic fields as sensitive tracers of galactic interactions', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zsel64h
