Massive clusters of galaxies currently offer two complementary approaches tocosmology, through studies of cluster gas-mass fractions and the growth ofcosmic structure. We propose to pursue both of these approaches simultaneouslyby completing X-ray follow-up of the MACS sample. X-ray observations of thissample, the leading, statistically complete sample of very massive clusters,have already proved to be a powerful cosmological tool. The proposedobservations would significantly improve our understanding of cluster scalingrelations for the growth of structure, allow a detailed statistical study of theevolution and impact of cool clusters cores, and identify hot, relaxed clusterssuitable for cosmological studies through the gas-mass fraction method.
Instrument
RGS1, EPN, RGS2, EMOS1, OM, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-04-30T20:26:07Z/2011-06-13T15:56:28Z
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, Prof Steven Allen, 2012, 'New Cosmological Constraints from X-ray Clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2cwf12s
