Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) residing in the centers of galaxy clusters aretypically quenched giant ellipticals. Recent studies hinted that superluminousdisk galaxies could be the BCGs of a subset of galaxy clusters. The existence ofsuch a BCG population is at odds with our understanding about the formation ofthese galaxies. However, based on optical observations, it is not possible toconstrain whether the superluminous disk galaxies reside at the center of galaxyclusters. In this proposal, we request XMM-Newton observations to map themorphology of the intracluster medium, measure the offsets between the peak ofthe diffuse X-ray emission and the position of the candidate BCGs, and hencedirectly probe whether superluminous disk galaxies are true BCGs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2019-04-29T21:31:23Z/2019-12-01T17:58:18Z
Version
18.00_20191217_1110
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, 2020, 'Superluminous Spirals as Brightest Cluster GalaxiesquestionMark', 18.00_20191217_1110, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-bqjy2uc
