The current lack of a statistical X-ray sample of galaxy groups is a serioushindrance to studies of galaxy evolution, structure formation, and feedbackprocesses. The subset of nearby groups observed in the X-ray contains less thanhalf the number of systems expected and is biased in unknown ways. We havedefined an optically selected, statistically complete sample of groups in thelocal Universe, screened to exclude systems which are uncollapsed or embedded inlarger structures. This will allow the first detailed studies of the gascontent, thermal history and physical properties of an unbiased sample ofgroups, and significantly improve our understanding of the mass distribution inthe local volume.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-05-18T06:29:37Z/2012-07-02T19:41:33Z
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 Ewan O'Sullivan, 2013, 'CLoGS: The Complete Local-volume Groups Sample', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-j2ldi71
