Hot galaxy clusters at low redshift, whose structures can be mapped in detail,are rare but critical for the interpretation of lower quality data from moredistant clusters. We propose to map a recently discovered, virgul9 keV, z=0.055cluster previously hidden behind the Galactic bulge. Existing XMM data, whichidentified the source as a cluster, reveal merger signatures in the cluster corebut, due to background issues, cannot be used to constrain the ICM out to evenR2500. By extending coverage out to R500 and incorporating high resolution HI,CO, and extinction maps to account for foreground emission and absorption, wewill construct kT, pressure, and entropy maps and profiles to estimate the totalmass, dynamical state, and overall structure of this unique cluster.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2015-09-08T22:00:35Z/2016-03-25T21:03:08Z
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, Dr Daniel Wik, 2017, 'The Scorpius Galaxy Cluster: Mapping a Merger in a Newly Discovered 9keV Cluster', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rb45897
