We propose a 240 ks observation (6x40 ks mosaic) of the large scale gas coronaaround the nearby radio galaxy and late-stage merger Centaurus A. We willmeasure the temperature, density, and entropy of the gas and characterize itsmorphology to constrain the dynamics of the merger as well as the interactionbetween the gas and multiple epochs of nuclear activity. We will confirm thepresence of the ghost-cavity southern counterpart to the Northern Middle Radiolobe and search for spatially extended features indicative of interactionsbetween radio plasma and cold gas.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2009-07-15T17:26:36Z/2009-07-16T09:46:55Z
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 Ralph Kraft, 2010, 'An XMM-Newton Study of the Dynamical Processes of the Hot Gas Halo of Cen A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-aw9cibx
