Galaxy cluster mergers trigger Mpc-scaled shocks in the ICM, which canaccelerate particles to relativistic energies to form arc-shaped radio relics.Last year, we discovered a spectacular radio relic in the Planck cluster A3411.The relic has a fragmentary morphology, at odds with the arc-shaped shockspredicted by hydrodynamical simulations. We propose for a 200 ks XMM observationto detect and characterize the shock at the radio relic. The combination ofX-ray and radio data will provide the opportunity to (1) determine the shape ofthe shock surface; (2) model the merger event; and (3) test different shockacceleration models. Data on such puzzling objects is crucial to ourunderstanding of relics.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2014-11-18T14:07:48Z/2014-11-20T04:11:08Z
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, Ms Georgiana Ancuta Ogrean, 2015, 'Understanding the merger geometry and the complex relic system in Abell 3411', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-oontvv2
