The main power source in quasars is thought to come from matter accreting onto a supermassive black hole. This proposal concerns the signatures of the central accretion disk that are present in X-ray spectra of AGN. We propose to study with XMM 4 of the most luminous known radio-quiet quasars in order to ascertain the properties of the central engine in these objects. In particular, we will use reprocessing features from the disk - in the form of a soft excess,iron K line, iron K edge and .Compton hump. - to determine the ionisationproperties of the disk. Evidence for an increased ionisation in these most luminous of quasars will support models whereby the super-massive black hole is near to Eddington-limited.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-01-04T23:26:11Z/2002-06-18T01:56:33Z
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 James Reeves, 2003, 'Exploring the Central Engines of Luminous Quasars', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-rly0y4f
