XMM-Newton Observations of Galaxy Clusters: The Radial Temperature Profile of A2163

Abstract

XMM-Newton, with its high throughput and excellent spatial and spectral resolution, is an ideal instrument for spectro-imaging observation of clusters. Presented here is an XMM-Newton mosaic observation of A2163, from which a new radial temperature profile is derived. The issue of background subtraction is addressed in some detail as a proper treatment of the background is essential for the derivation of correct temperatures, and thus, of the correct total cluster mass.

Proceedings of `Galaxy Clusters and the High Redshift Universe Observed in X-rays', XXIth Moriond Astrophysics Meeting (March 2001). 9 pages, 10 figures, uses moriond.sty