We propose deep XMM-Newton observations of young, post-merger ellipticalgalaxies. Because their L_X/L_B ratios are low among ellipticals and theirstellar populations are significantly metal-enriched, these galaxies are thebest candidates to address the biggest unsolved problem of the X-ray study ofelliptical galaxies: stellar vs ISM metal abundance discrepancy. Our data, inconjunction with the existing Chandra data will allow us to accurately determine Fe and alpha -elements abundances and to confirm the presence or absence ofthe relation between L_X/L_B and the metallicity. We will then address variousevolutionary scenarios via metal enrichment history.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-06-23T06:37:52Z/2009-12-24T23:13:29Z
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 Dong-Woo Kim, 2011, 'Metal Abundance in Young Elliptical Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-g9cja64
