We propose mosaic observations of the massive, early-stage, binary mergingcluster Abell 401 to probe the ICM out to the virial radius with essentiallyfull azimuthal coverage. Simulations of structure formation predict relativelylarge numbers of cool gas clumps in such systems, with more clumps expectedalong filaments. Abell 401/Abell 399 is a perfect example of such a system, withthe only intercluster filament detected by Planck. We will apply the X-COPmethod of combining X-ray and SZ observations to accurately determine thethermodynamic profiles of the ICM, with and without clump filtering, tomeasure the clumping factor and fraction of non-thermal pressure support bothalong and away from the putative cosmic filament and compare the results with expectations from simulations.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2021-08-24T12:37:30Z/2022-01-22T10:17:23Z
Version
19.17_20220121_1250
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 Scott Randall, 2023, 'Exploring the Virialization Region of the Massive Merging Cluster Abell 401', 19.17_20220121_1250, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.57780/esa-20xwivu
