We propose XMM observations of 4 X-ray (2-10 keV) selected sources with a veryhard spectra. The proposed objects are probably the brightest and most extremeexamples of a population of sources that is showing up at faint fluxes and thus ideal targets for a detailed study with XMM. They could represent a newpopulation of very hard serendipitous sources or, alternatively, a population ofvery absorbed sources as expected from the CXB synthesis models based on the AGNUnification Scheme. Combining these data with those of 4 other objects, whichare contained in XMM GTO fields, we should be able to assemble a small, butstatistically complete, sample. This sample will have a fundamental and crucialimportance to test our understanding of the CXB and the AGN Unification Scheme.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-09-08T00:29:22Z/2002-09-08T08:30:49Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Dr Roberto Della Ceca, 2003, 'XMM Observations of the Hardest ASCA Sources', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-9x59d8s
