The hot phase of the ISM in normal spiral galaxies is theorized to drivefountains of material from the disk into the halo. Alternatively, spirals mayhave hot halos due to primordial IGM slowly accreting onto them. We do not knownwhich of these ideas is correct, as observational data on the hot,X-ray-emitting, halo gas predicted by these models is lacking. Currently onlyone normal edge-on spiral galaxy, NGC 891, is known to have a hot halo medium.We propose EPIC observations of a small representative sample of nearby edge-onspiral galaxies, for which we have a wide range of existing observational data.These observations will robustly detect NGC 891-like hot halos, broadly quantifytheir properties, and can be used to differentiate between the two halo theories.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-05-16T07:41:21Z/2004-12-26T09:59:30Z
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 DAVID STRICKLAND, 2006, 'A DEEP SEARCH FOR HOT GAS IN THE HALOS OF NORMAL SPIRAL GALAXIES', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-af5o2es
