The physics of the compression wave forming at the beginning of major clustermergers is still not well understood because of the lack of X-ray observationsof equal mass merging clusters before the maximum core collapse. We propose toobserve with XMM-Newton two carefully selected clusters displaying a bi-modaldistribution in the optical and X-ray. These data and parallel opticalobservations will allow for the first time to directly determine the physicalconditions (such as density, temperature, gas mixing) in the compressed hot gasand the interplay of the compression waves with the star formation rates of thegalaxies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2005-11-19T05:43:43Z/2005-11-19T14:33:54Z
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 Jean-Luc SAUVAGEOT, 2006, 'Properties of the compression wave in Bi-modal Merging Clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-k0a4xpz
