We propose to obtain hard X-ray spectra of a representative complete sample (10) of the brightest ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIGs) in order to search for the presence of an highly obscured AGN, and to separate out the contributions from a putative starburst. Recent studies of the submillimeter and X-ray background radiation suggest the intriguing possibility that both may be produced by the same class of objects, i.e. ULIGs. Our XMM sample spans the full range of infrared luminosity and colors of ULIGs, therefore our proposed observations will allow us to assess the role of AGN in this class of objectsand to better constrain their contribution to the X-ray background.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2001-09-11T14:31:13Z/2001-12-22T10:40:18Z
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, Prof David Sanders, 2003, 'Hard X-rays from a Complete Sample of the Brightest Ultraluminous IR Galaxies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-bz9mfs0
