We propose a 30 ks XMM observation of the type 2 Radio-Quasar RX J1011.2+5545 at z=1.246. Although the ROSAT+ASCA spectrum is best fitted by a moderately absorbed flat power law, a major uncertainty remains as to wheter the 2E45 erg/s (2-10 keV) luminosity arises as radiation scattered by the radio electrons -in which case the highly obscured nucleus might be 100 times more luminous- or it is transmitted through a moderate amount of absorbing gas,in which case the spectral shape would be unusually flat. The proposed XMMobservations will show whether the source is variable on timescales of 1000s, and will distingush between an intrinsic flat spectrum or a heavily absorbed steeper one, thus providing a distinctive test between both -scattered or nuclear- scenarios.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-11-11T19:57:38Z/2001-11-12T08:03:08Z
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 Xavier Barcons, 2002, 'X-rays from the type 2 Radio Quasar: transmitted or scattered', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-duxx8sz
