Our knowledge of galaxy evolution in a hierarchical evolutionary scenariorequires understanding of progressively poorer structures. Poor/loose groupsrepresent the defining galaxy aggregates in the field and are probably closelyconnected to physical pairs as well as to isolated E galaxies. We propose to observe a sample of mixed morphology physical pairs, isolated or in poor environments in the Southern hemispere. Systems span a wide range of impactparameters, indicative of different stages/kinds of galaxy encounters in thefield. Our specific aim is to reach a definition of the evolutionary state ofthe pair/loose group, which could be closely linked to their X-ray properties.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-07-17T15:15:21Z/2003-10-19T21:58:14Z
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 Ginevra Trinchieri, 2004, 'Physical pairs: a way station on the road of coalescence of poor groups', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-dlwcsf2
