We have detected a 200-kpc scale shock in the intracluster medium surroundingthe FRII radio galaxy 3C 444 in a short Chandra observation. Our existing datahave allowed us to identify a sharp surface brightness discontinuity and a cleartemperature jump, which corresponds to a Mach number of at least 1.7. This isthe clearest example to date of a shock associated with a powerful FRII radiogalaxy, and potentially the strongest cluster-scale radio-galaxy shock detectedto date. We request a deep XMM-Newton observation in order to obtain accuratemeasurements of the shock conditions and a detailed map of the ICM temperaturedistribution, which will enable us to confirm the shock strength and carry outthe first detailed investigation of the environmental impact of an FRII radio galaxy.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2012-11-16T15:55:34Z/2012-11-18T06:12:56Z
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 Judith Croston, 2013, 'The strongest shock around an FRII radio galaxyquestionMark', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wkxqf2j
