We propose to observe a unique cluster pair 1E2216/1E2215 in early-stage merger.Based on archival shallow X-ray data, we discovered a hot gas bridge between thetwo clusters, and a putative shock with Mach number of 1.4 in the middle of thebridge. The bridge region also contains at least three diffuse radio sourceswith very different properties. This is the first time that diffuse radioemission is observed at the site of an early- stage merger. We request a totalEPIC exposure of 130 ks to measure the shock heating, and to search for thepredicted vertical shock in this unique system. The combined X-ray and radiodata will determine the thermal vs. non-thermal energy partition of the shock.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-11-11T10:27:05Z/2017-11-13T01:03:45Z
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 Liyi Gu, 2018, 'Witnessing the creation of the first shock in a cluster collision', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-u5pn4wi
