Galaxy collisions and shocks in compact groups

Evidence from IR, Xray and HI studies suggests that low mass compact groupsrepresent a key evolutionary stage in which shocks caused by galaxy interactionsdrive both the transformation of gasrich spirals into earlytype galaxies, andthe buildup of the hot IGM. We have selected five groups where extensivemultiwavelength data shows violent ongoing galaxy interactions. We now proposeto observe them with Chandra and XMM, searching for or confirming the presenceof shocks in the Xray IGM, measuring their strength and ability to heat coldgas, and examining the impact of galaxy/IGM interactions on galaxytransformation. Combined with our IR, CO, HI and optical IFU data, theseobservations will provide an exceptionally detailed view of this critical stage of galaxy and group evolution. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]