Ring galaxies are unique laboratories to study the effects of galaxyinteractions: they are characterized by high SFR,enhanced X-ray emission, andlarge number of ULXs. However only 4 source are published. We selected allcollisional rings at z<0.02 from the Arp&Madore sample of southern ring galaxiesfor a statistical sample of 12. As a first step we ask for XMM-Newton snapshotsof 8 galaxies that suit the XMM-Newton characteristics. We expect to detect thering as a bright X-ray source, to which both gas and point sources (mostly ULXs)contribute. The non-detection of X-ray sources would represent an unexpected andimportant discovery, indicating that known the sources are quite different fromthe rest of the population.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-05-04T09:50:56Z/2013-04-02T20:55:49Z
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 Anna Wolter, 2014, 'Ring galaxies as the cradle of ULXs', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-2th77dg
