One of the interesting Chandra discoveries is the existence of sharp gasdensity edges in some galaxy clusters. There are two different types of suchfeatures, depending on the sign of their temperature jump: a contactdiscontinuity and a merger bow shock. Both phenomena offer unique insights intothe cluster physics, including determining the gas bulk velocity, itsacceleration, growth of plasma instabilities, strength and structure ofmagnetic fields, and thermal conductivity. The nearby clusters A3376 and A3158are striking examples of such edges. We propose to combine the approved Chandrahigh-resolution imaging with accurate temperature measurements across theseedges with EPIC, which will enable a quantitative study of the ICM physics.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-01T07:43:17Z/2003-04-01T20:50:03Z
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 Maxim Markevitch, 2004, 'GAS DENSITY DISCONTINUITIES IN MERGING CLUSTERS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-xs6ez9b
