We propose a detailed study of a luminous .fossil. group, which contains a normal, relaxed giant elliptical galaxy but almost no L* galaxies. It appears to be very old, and may represent an end-point of galaxy merging. An EPIC study will enable us to understand the unusual properties: a very high X-ray luminosity for the temperature, and a remarkably elongated X-ray surface brightness, indicative of a very anisotropic dark matter distribution. These properties have important implications for the impact ofpreheating at early epochs and the formation of structures within darkmatter filaments. An accompanying proposal is for a sample of nearby, lowLx fossil groups (PI Ponman).
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-07-08T14:01:15Z/2003-12-29T00:39:37Z
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 Laurence Jones, 2005, 'The X-ray structure of a luminous fossil galaxy group', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dt4h6dq
