Several regions of the Virgo cluster have been studied with XMM-Newton providingspectacular results. One of the most interesting regions, the interaction zonebetween the infalling M86 galaxy group and the matter in the giant X-ray halo ofM87 has so far been spared. We have interesting optical data on the stellardynamics showing a clear edge of M87 and a transition to the clusterenvironment. We also find evidence for gas compression in the interaction zonein shallow ROSAT observations. Therefore we proposed in AO12 to study the X-rayemission region between M86 and M87 with 3 deep XMM-Newton pointings which wereapproved in category C. The observations have not been performed or scheduledyet. Therefore we repropose them for AO13 if not performed by the end of AO12.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-06-12T04:46:33Z/2015-01-06T14:22:05Z
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 Hans Boehringer, 2016, 'The Dynamics of the Northern Part of the Virgo Cluster', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-kftq326
