We propose the first systematic study of the extended X-ray halos of normalgalaxies using absorption along the line-of-sight to a carefully-selectedquasar. This observation will provide a fundamental test for models of galaxyformation by limiting the fraction of galaxy baryons associated with galaxyhalos. By constraining the extent and nature of these halos we will provideimportant constraints on solutions to the over-cooling. problem in galaxyformation and inform the missing baryon problem in cosmology. Our proposedexposure time will allow us to probe weak absorption lines down to the levelthat will for the first time provide meaningful constraints on the hot gascontent of galaxy halos.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2008-05-26T19:47:22Z/2008-12-21T07:56:48Z
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 Taotao Fang, 2010, 'The Gaseous Halos of Galaxies as Revealed in X-ray Absorption', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ucuyd7q
