We propose to obtain a high resolution spectrum of the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 1399 at the core of the Fornax Cluster. The RGS will fully resolve the soft X-ray emission line spectrum of the hot diffuse gas inthe galaxy. The properties of the hot gas can be determined without the usual ambiguities; spatial gradients will be constrained with the cross-dispersion image. We will likely detect the effect of resonance scattering on the spatial profile of the strongest Fe L emission line, which allows for a very powerful internal consistency test on our measurement of temperature, density, and abundances. It will also provide a strong constraint on the amplitude of the velocity field in the diffuse gas.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-08-23T02:57:31Z/2006-08-24T17:40:24Z
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 Frederik Paerels, 2009, 'High Resolution Spectroscopy of NGC 1399 at the Core of the Fornax Cluster', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-lpfxnst
