We propose a 160 ks observation (4 times 40 ks mosaic) of the large scale gascorona around the nearby radio galaxy and late-stage merger Centaurus A. The CenA group is the nearest relatively massive group ( M_Gsim 10 ^{13} M _odot ),and its large scale gaseous halo has not been previously studied because of itsproximity. We will measure the temperature, density, and entropy of the gas andcharacterize its morphology to constrain the dynamics of the merger as well asthe interaction between the gas and multiple epochs of nuclear activity to adistance of sim 50 kpc from the nucleus. The distribution and dynamics of thegas on scales of tens of kpc has played a key role in determining the morphologyof the large scale radio structures.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-08-20T23:04:14Z/2010-08-23T14:10:30Z
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, 2011, 'An XMM-Newton Mosaic of the Hot ISM in Centaurus A', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-3i7xh5f
