Evidence from IR, X-ray and HI studies suggests that low mass compact groupsrepresent a key evolutionary stage in which shocks caused by galaxy interactionsdrive both the transformation of gas-rich spirals into early-type galaxies, andthe build-up of the hot IGM. We have selected five groups where extensivemulti-wavelength data shows violent ongoing galaxy interactions. We now proposeto observe them with Chandra and XMM, searching for or confirming the presenceof shocks in the X-ray IGM, measuring their strength and ability to heat coldgas, and examining the impact of galaxy/IGM interactions on galaxytransformation. Combined with our IR, CO, HI and optical IFU data, theseobservations will provide an exceptionally detailed view of this critical stage of galaxy and group evolution.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2017-12-02T03:07:03Z/2018-01-18T17:52:50Z
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 Ewan O'Sullivan, 2019, 'Galaxy collisions and shocks in compact groups', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-przbngt
