We have selected two young star clusters for X-ray imaging which nicely fit intothe wide field-of-view of XMM. These two young massive clusters (age <virgul 10 Myr,mass virgul 1E4 M_sun) have been identified in the ASCC-2.5 catalogue (Kharchenko2001) providing proper motions and B,V photometry. The goal is to detect theclusters in image space (their intermediate and low-mass members, that is) inX-rays. It is only in X-rays that the young cluster members stand out againstthe background field contamination, while they are drowned in optical andinfrared observations. Their detection would silence major criticism that hasbeen raised against the method of determining young cluster masses by fittingKing profiles, independent of cluster luminosity.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-03-10T14:18:34Z/2011-03-11T00:30:56Z
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 Hans Zinnecker, 2012, 'X-ray confirmation of proper motion selected star clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-m8eam9m
