We propose two 112 ksec pointings at the radio brighter western lobe of Fornax Ato measure its inverse Compton (IC) and thermal emission. X-ray detection of theIC signal from radio lobes provides an excellent probe of the relativisticelectron population. Combining measurements of the radio spectrum, the thermalgas pressure and the IC signal from a single radio lobe would provide the bestconstraints on the composition of the lobe. This is our objective for theproposed observations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-06-25T06:20:02Z/2009-06-26T17:53:06Z
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 Paul Nulsen, 2010, 'Contents of the Western Lobe of Fornax A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-fq7svmg
