An RXTE observation of the Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 6300 reveals a huge equivalent width iron line and a flat X-ray continuum, providing strong evidence that NGC 6300 is a Compton-thick Seyfert 2 galaxy. Compton-thick Seyfert 2 galaxies are important because they provide direct support for unified models of Seyfert galaxies, as well as direct evidence for high column densities. NGC 6300 is potentially an important object because it is very bright compared with otherCompton-thick Seyfert 2 galaxies and because it appears to be dominated by Compton reflection with little contamination from scattering by ionized gas. The energies of the predicted soft X-ray emission lines and structure of the Kalpha line observable in the proposed 40 ks XMM observation will verify this
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-03-02T03:36:01Z/2001-03-02T16:35:36Z
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 Karen Leighly, 2002, 'NGC 6300: a New comma Bright comma Compton-thick Seyfert 2 Galaxy', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-cptg5c3
