The application of galaxy clusters in constraining cosmological models is currently mostly limited by our uncertain knowledge of scaling relations of easy observables and cluster mass. Most of the scaling relation studies are based on X-ray flux limited samples. Here we propose to take a new approach to study galaxy cluster properties in a volume-limited sample. From the comparison of flux and volume-limited samples we would be able to determine the intrinsic scatter of scaling relations in an unambiguous way, providing an important advance in cluster cosmology studies. Apart from the cosmological application, the volume-limited survey of nearby clusters will also provide a great benchmark sample for all aspects of characterizing the properties of the cluster population.
Publication
No observations found associated with the current proposal
Instrument
EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2, EMOS1, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2011-06-13T04:33:27Z/2012-06-11T16:41:27Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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.