XMM-Newton Observation of the Smallest Galaxy Cluster Hosting a Radio Relic

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Abell168 is a low-mass cluster with a global temperature of 2 keV. It is at the late stage of a merger in the plane of the sky along the north-south directions. Chandra observations have revealed prominent cold fronts along the merging axis. A recent GMRT and JVLA study has shown that it contains an iconic radio relic in the north direction, preceding the bright cold front. The location of the radio relic falls out of the field of view of the Chandra observations. We have detected a promising surface brightness discontinuity exactly at the location of the radio relic using existing XMM-Newton observations but we are unable to constrain its temperature. We have been awarded XMM-Newton observation from AO22, focusing on the radio relic, to confirm the surface brightness edge and to constrain its temperature. The observation (0922550101) was taken in January 2024. This study will provide unique insight into the acceleration mechanism of relativistic electrons and provide an opportunity to search for any potential Inverse Compton emission.
StatusActive
Effective start/end date10/1/249/30/25

Funding

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration: $15,000.00

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