NGC 1521 is an isolated elliptical galaxy recently discovered in an XMM-AO6pilot survey to search for optimal targets for X-ray studies of dark matter onthe galaxy scale. We request a deep (110 ks) follow-up observation to map itsdark matter profile in detail out to a radius of virgul140 kpc (virgul0.3 r_vir),extending out farther in the halo than achieved to date using X-rays on thegalaxy scale. We will constrain the concentration and virial mass to within +/-15% (90% conf.) and compare to the predictions from cosmological simulations,and obtain an independent measurement of the stellar M/L. This observation ofNGC 1521 would be a key addition to the handful of elliptical galaxies whichcurrently possess interesting X-ray constraints on their dark matter properties.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-02-07T14:53:25Z/2009-02-09T04:07:43Z
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 David Buote, 2010, 'The Dark Matter Profile of the Isolated Elliptical Galaxy NGC 1521', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-o495wrx
