Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) residing in the hearts of galaxy clusters aremassive ellipticals with little star formation. A recent study hinted thatmassive, blue, star-forming galaxies (super spirals) may be the BCGs ofseveral galaxy clusters. Clearly, such a BCG population would be at odds withour understanding about the formation of these galaxies. However, based on thepresently available data it could not be unequivocally demonstrated that superspirals are truly BCGs. Therefore, we request exploratory XMM-Newtonobservations to map the morphology of the intracluster medium, measure theoffsets between the peak of the diffuse X-ray emission and the position of thecandidate BCGs, and hence directly probe if super spirals are true BCGs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-04-16T12:10:02Z/2018-04-22T19:38:13Z
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 Akos Bogdan, 2019, 'Massive Star Forming Spirals as Brightest Cluster Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-ldf8zyw
