The most X-ray luminous and massive galaxy clusters are the most interestingobjects for astrophysical and cosmological studies. Completing our REFELX 2cluster survey, we can now add another 10 of the most luminous clusters in theredshift range z=0.3-0.5 at dec<-40. This category of clusters has alreadyreceived tremendous attention as witnessed by a series of studies on clusterstructure, lensing properties, SZ observations, galaxy population and dynamics.They are also the most important cosmological probes at the intermediateredshift to trace large-scale structure evolution, and to constrain cosmologicalparameters. Therefore we propose the XMM observations of these 10 luminous knownclusters to a sufficient depth to precisely assess their physical properties.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-07-18T03:53:19Z/2011-12-01T21:27:11Z
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 Gayoung Chon, 2012, 'Cosmology and Astrophysics with the Most Massive Intermediate redshift Clusters', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ua6w94c
