We propose deep XMM imaging of a system of two QSOs separated by 33 arcsecondsat z=2.4, that is likely the most widely separated gravitational lens known. Theevidence of lensing is (1) the overall similarity of the optical spectra, (2)the almost identical Lyman-alpha forest near the emission redshift, and (3) thepresence of a bright galaxy near the implied lensing mass center. The 15 ksintegration time is designed to easily detect a cluster of the mass implied by alens model at the most probable redshift (z=0.44) and marginally detect acluster at the highest plausible redshift (z=1). The X-ray properties of thisfirst ever mass-selected cluster are of interest, and the confirmation of even asingle lens of this separation leads to significant cosmological constraints.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-08-02T13:30:49Z/2005-02-07T22:36:42Z
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 CHRIS IMPEY, 2006, 'THE LENSING CLUSTER IN THE WIDEST SEPARATION GRAVITIONAL LENS', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-x440hd3
