We propose to observe five cool clusters, in order to complete a flux-limitedsample that does not suffer from optical selection bias. Cool clusters areexcellent probes for understanding the heat balance in all clusters since theirsmaller potentials mean that they are most susceptible to heating processes. Weaim to study, systematically, heating and cooling effects; together with thedispersion in the luminosity / temperature relation at temperatures below 2 keV(i.e. the intrinsic scatter in cluster properties). We have already madeconsiderable progress analyzing the existing archived observations, and requestadditional observations to complete the sample. With its greater collecting areaand low-energy response, XMM-Newton is the observatory of choice for this work.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2006-06-22T07:26:19Z/2006-09-07T07:17:13Z
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 Roderick Johnstone, 2007, 'Determining the heat balance in groups and clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2kh1mna
