Improving the Background Subtraction for X-Ray Observations of Galaxy Clusters
Abstract
The use of clusters as cosmological probes requires accurate measurements of global cluster properties, such as the virial mass. Since the X-ray emission rapidly decreases with radius, characterization of the background is a critical factor limiting the accuracy of such global mass measurements. We propose a method to improve background subtraction of Chandra ACIS observations that involves detailed modeling of the background components and the use of multiple apertures that contain both cluster emission and background. Preliminary results applying this method to a sample of nearby clusters will be presented.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #217
- Pub Date:
- January 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AAS...21711604L