A powerful new approach to study early galaxy formation is through massive relicgalaxies (MRGs) which are local analogs of the high-redshift red nuggets thoughtto represent progenitors of today.s early-type galaxies. X-ray observation ofthe hot diffuse gas of MRGs is the most viable means to measure the globalproperties like the halo concentration, mass, and baryon fraction, but only twoMRGs have been identified that are suitable for such an X-ray analysis. Toremedy this, we constructed a sample of MRGs to map in detail their X-rayemission. We propose a snapshot survey of the 8 MRGs in the sample which lackany X-ray data. Deep follow-up exposures with XMM-Newton and Chandra ofpromising targets will then be sought for detailed analysis of their mass distributions.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-02-19T09:28:25Z/2021-03-07T04:19:15Z
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 David Buote, 2022, 'Snapshots of Massive Relic Galaxies', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-kic3ddg
