We propose XMM-Newton observations of three very unusual strong gravitationallenses discovered in the SDSS. All three lenses appear to be high massconcentration groups/galaxies with extreme properties. Hall.s Lens is anoptically-unimpressive group for which the derived mass inside the 78 kpcEinstein radius is an astounding >1e14 solar masses. The Cosmic Horseshoe Lensand the Cassowary 20 Lens are giant elliptical galaxies with extremely largestellar velocity dispersions and absolute optical magnitudes, both of which arecandidates for the most massive galaxy in the Universe. We propose modestexposures of these intriguing systems to obtain luminosities and temperatures toidentify which are worthy of longer follow-up observations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-12-24T07:08:15Z/2011-12-24T13:30:10Z
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 Jimmy Irwin, 2013, 'XMM-Newton Snapshots of Unusual Gravitational Lenses', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ll1gr5p
