The mass profiles of elliptical galaxies are important probes of galaxyformation and cosmology. Only a few elliptical galaxies have detailed massmeasurements from X-rays because of the lack of suitable targets in terms oftotal mass (< virgul10^{13} m_sun) and relaxed dynamical states appropriate forhydrostatic analysis. In previously awarded XMM and Chandra snapshot programs tosearch for optimal targets for X-ray studies of mass profiles on the galaxyscale, we have identified several promising isolated elliptical galaxies. Werequest follow-up observations with XMM to map the detailed profiles of stars,dark matter, and hot gas in two of these galaxies.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-08-08T10:23:26Z/2011-08-09T06:22:06Z
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 David Buote, 2012, 'The Dark Matter and Baryon Content of Isolated Elliptical Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-qtkls3o
