We propose to determine whether some of the most powerful galaxies in the Universe are powered by active nuclei, by detecting IRAS F15307+3252 and threeapparently similar objects with XMM. We wish to confirm that F15307+3252 is theprototype of the long-sought class of luminous type 2 AGN, the highly obscuredquasars. Optical spectropolarimetry revealed a buried quasar, but previous X-raymissions did not detect it, suggesting that the line of sight is Thomson-thick.The non-thermal X-ray emission only emerges from behind the obscuration atenergies above 10 keV, which, at the redshift of F15307+3252, is redshifted wellinto the XMM band. Any scattered nuclear emission will also be detectable atsome level.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-07-30T12:06:53Z/2002-07-30T19:31:56Z
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 Carolin Crawford, 2003, 'The obscured quasars in IRAS F15307+3252 and similar objects', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-gddnsif
