Fossil groups (FGs) present a puzzle to theories of structure formation. Despitethe low number of bright galaxies, their high velocity dispersions and high T_Xseem to indicate cluster-like potential wells. Their measured c200 are highindicating early formation epochs, in contradiction with the observed lack ofexpected large cool cores. We have proposed a discriminatory test, using theintracluster light to mass ratio (ICLf/M) in FGs, using XMM and HST. The pilotstudy was successful and suggests that FGs are not merging and show high ICLf/Mratios in comparison to relaxed systems. We propose to increase the sample ofbonafide FGs complementing XMM and HST archived observations to account forsample variance, allowing us to reliably constrain their formation mechanisms and ages.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-04-18T21:37:03Z/2020-06-07T09:28:24Z
Version
18.02_20200221_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 renato dupke, 2021, 'Unveiling the Nature of Fossil Groups with XMM-HST II\: Reducing Variance', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-8yspcnm
