Galaxy cluster outskirts are the regions where structure formation processes areexpected to be active across the entire lifetime of these systems through theaccretion of smaller structures. After the success of a pilot XMM-Newton programtargeting the outer regions of two systems, we propose to map the outskirts of10 galaxy clusters in the redshift range 0.04-0.1. Through the synergy betweenXMM and SZ data from Planck, we will recover the thermo-dynamic properties ofthe gas out to R200 and study the accretion processes in cluster outskirts. Wewill disentangle for the first time the effects of gas clumping and non-thermalpressure support. In addition, since it will allow us to map the entire volumeof several well-known systems, our program will have an important legacy value.
Instrument
RGS1, EPN, RGS2, EMOS1, OM, EMOS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-03-14T06:30:32Z/2015-12-17T11:00:38Z
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 Dominique Eckert, 2016, 'The XMM-Newton Cluster Outskirts Project openParX-COPclosePar', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ukqsqpj
