| Proposal ID | 004116 |
| Title | The Most Luminous Object in the Local Universe, the Quasar PDS456 |
| Download Data Associated to the proposal | https://nxsa.esac.esa.int/nxsa-sl/servlet/data-action-aio?obsno=0041160101 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6drll2j |
| Principal Investigator, PI | Dr James Reeves |
| Abstract | We propose to utilise the unique power of the entire XMM instrument suite tostudy the most luminous object in the local Universe, the Quasar PDS456.PDS456 has a remarkable X-ray spectrum, showing a steep hard X-ray continuum,a deep ionised iron K edge, a soft excess, a low ionisation warm absorber andfast broad-band X-ray variability. PDS456 may be a quasar powered by asupermassive black hole accreting close to the Eddington limit. We will useXMM data to: (a) determine the origin of the X-ray continuum emission mechanism; (b) differentiate between an ionised accretion-disk reflector ora highly ionised warm absorber for the origin of the iron K edge and weak line; |
| Publications |
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| Instrument | EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2 |
| Temporal Coverage | 2001-02-26T09:44:02Z/2001-02-26T22:39:38Z |
| 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. |
| Creator Contact | https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/xmm-newton/xmm-newton-helpdesk |
| Date Published | 2003-05-10T00:00:00Z |
| Last Update | 2025-08-04 |
| Keywords | "XMM", "quasar pds456", "weak line", "quasar powered", "luminous object", "hard xray continuum", "soft excess", "local universe", "eddington limit", "xray spectrum", "ionised warm absorber", "xmm instrument suite", "deep ionised iron", "xmm data" |
| Publisher And Registrant | European Space Agency |
| Credit Guidelines | European Space Agency, Dr James Reeves, 2003, 'The Most Luminous Object in the Local Universe, the Quasar PDS456', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-6drll2j |