Compact groups of galaxies are excellent laboratories for the study of galaxyinteractions and their effects. Recent optical results indicate that we observethem in a wide range of properties closely linked to an evolutionary picturebased on the level of activity and frequency/strength of the interactions amongmembers. To substantiate this picture, X-ray data are needed to provide crucialinformation on both dynamical (by probing the system.s potential), and activity(by completing the information on galaxy activity) stages of groups. We proposeto observe 4 additional groups in the Southern Compact Groups catalogue chosento represent different evolutionary stages to continue our study of the X-rayproperties of these systems in this context.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2004-05-15T21:05:17Z/2004-05-16T00:23:48Z
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, 2006, 'HOW TO SOLVE THE COMPACT GROUP PARADOX WITH XMM--NEWTON', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-hurgtu9
