We propose deep observations of two massive galaxy clusters, at redshifts of1.84 and 1.03, to measure the metallicity of the ICM at very high redshifts.These data will definitively test the early enrichment scenario, in which mostof the metal enrichment of the intergalactic medium occurs before clusters form,during the period of maximal star formation and black hole activity, more than10 Gyr ago. This scenario is supported by high-precision Suzaku measurements ofa homogeneous iron distribution in the nearby Perseus cluster, extending to thevirial radius. Our proposal will provide a direct and precise test of earlyenrichment, probing the distribution of iron in our z=1.03 target and theoverall, core-excised metallicity of the most luminous, distant cluster known.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-04-14T22:44:22Z/2017-11-09T00:35:01Z
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 Adam Mantz, 2018, 'A Definitive Test for Evolution in the Metallicity of the Intracluster Medium', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-pfko9rx
