We propose to obtain X-ray images and spectra of a sample of close pairs ofsimilar sized interacting galaxies. The pairs were selected morphologically notto be tidally disrupted and to have separations within 10 and 100 kpc, i.e. thedistance at which the quiescent nuclear black hole would be activated. We expectto detect an active nucleus in both galaxies, which will confirm the hypothesisof the activation of quiescent nuclei during this phase of the merging process.The relation between the separation of the objects and the activity of the coreswill constrain the range for the activation distance, highly r^ant forcategorizing binary quasars at higher redshifts that could be misinterpreted ascases of gravitational lenses.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-07-28T15:29:05Z/2005-09-27T07:21:39Z
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 Elena Jimenez-Bailon, 2006, 'X-ray evidences of activity in close pairs of similar sized galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fby5hmk
