Radio relics are important diagnostics for identifying clusters undergoing amajor merger. We propose observations of 3 clusters in which we have discoveredpreviously unidentified relics. They all show other evidence of a merger. Ouraims are to image cold fronts and shocks in the ICM due to the merger, and todetect Inverse Compton from the radio-emitting electrons. Radio, IC X-ray, andmerger velocity measurements will determine the cluster magnetic field and theefficiency of electron acceleration. Shock physics will determine the efficiencyof thermalization in shocks and whether electrons undergo collisionless heating.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-01-02T23:19:36Z/2006-01-07T07:56:25Z
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, Prof Joshua Kempner, 2007, 'Radio Relics and X-ray Merger Signatures in Clusters of Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gs6r0sy
