Compact groups of galaxies are an extreme class of objects and excellentlaboratories for the study of galaxy interactions and their effects. Recentoptical results indicate that we observe them in a wide range of properties,that could be understood in a broad evolutionary picture. X-ray data are ofparamount importance to substantiate the evolutionary picture suggested by the optical, since they provide crucial information on dynamical and activity stage.This proposal aims at observing 6 compact groups, selected from the new SouthernCompact Groups catalogue, chosen in a range of properties in terms of their supposed evolutionary stage, to strengthen the above evolutionary picture. Itcould enable us solve what until now has been dubbed the compact groups paradox.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-12-24T21:07:09Z/2002-12-25T10:26:30Z
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 Angela Iovino, 2004, 'How to solve the compact group paradox with XMM-Newton', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-66ot9qa
