XMM-Newton has performed 13 pointing observations of the Perseus cluster (Abell426, z=0.0183), showing remarkable features in the large-scale temperature,pressure, and entropy distributions. Unfortunately, incomplete coverage in theouter east and southeast directions -- coincident with an enigmatic hot regionof unknown origin -- prevents a full characterization of ICM substructure atthese radii. We propose to complete the XMM mosaic of the Perseus cluster withthree 30 ksec pointings. These data will allow us to complete the most detailedinvestigation of cluster substructure known to date, constrain the physicalprocesses -- e.g., merger activity, turbulence, viscosity -- associated with it,and confirm the existence of the eastern hot region detected with ASCA.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-08-19T03:32:51Z/2012-03-01T18:26:14Z
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 Daniel Wik, 2013, 'Completing the XMM Legacy Mosaic of the Perseus cluster', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-abchmbe
