Superclusters, as the largest cosmic structures, are important to study theevolution of galaxy clusters and groups, cosmic baryons (e.g., the warm hotintergalactic medium) and galaxy evolution. There have been few studies ofsuperclusters in X-rays, while the X-ray data remain as the key to study thebulk of baryons in superclusters. We select the two richest superclusters fromthe SDSS/redMaPPer cluster catalog and propose XMM observations to map both ofthem. They are extreme mass concentrations with the total mass at least severaltimes higher than well-known superclusters like A901/2. The XMM data will beused to map the mass distribution (along with our weak-lensing work), studymerger dynamics and examine the cosmic filaments, and provide us important insights on superclusters.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2020-11-14T22:10:48Z/2020-11-15T01:47:28Z
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 Ming Sun, 2021, 'The richest superclusters in SDSS-redMaPPer', 18.02_20200221_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-28wbezj
