This is a proposal for reobservation of two clusters with highly flaredobservations from a systematic AO18 programme to study the most massive clustersat z = 0.25 - 0.5 - ideal candidates for gravitational lens telescopes - whichhad no pointed X-ray observations so far. A major goal is to characterise theirproperties for lensing studies and their use as gravitational lens telescopes.In addition these X-ray observations complete an important volume-limited sampleof massive clusters to be used for a range of cosmological studies. Bothclusters with insufficient data show peculiar structure which makes their studyexciting on their own. To better resolve crucial structures in the clustercentres we also ask for Chandra exposures.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-07-25T14:44:35Z/2021-08-27T07:26:32Z
Version
19.16_20210326_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, Prof Hans Boehringer, 2022, 'Studying Two Massive Galaxy Clusters to be used as Gravitational Lens Telescopes', 19.16_20210326_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-a8f7osp
