HOW TO SOLVE THE COMPACT GROUP PARADOX WITH XMM--NEWTON

Compact groups of galaxies are excellent laboratories for the study of galaxyinteractions and their effects. Recent optical results indicate that we observethem in a wide range of properties closely linked to an evolutionary picturebased on the level of activity and frequency/strength of the interactions amongmembers. To substantiate this picture, Xray data are needed to provide crucialinformation on both dynamical (by probing the system.s potential), and activity(by completing the information on galaxy activity) stages of groups. We proposeto observe 4 additional groups in the Southern Compact Groups catalogue chosento represent different evolutionary stages to continue our study of the Xrayproperties of these systems in this context. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]