| Description |
GT-Unification models assume the same physical emission process in the center of active galaxies and explain spectral differences with different viewing angles and obscuration by a dense gas torus. The hard X-ray continua of active galaxies are expected to show the canonical value of 1.9 known from Seyfert 1 galaxies and QSOs. We intent to check this hypothesis by our RASS selected sample. We propose Seyfert 1, Seyfert1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 2, NLS1 and LINERs for detailed spectral analysis primarily in the hard but also in the soft band using the EPIC cameras as prime instrument. As a side product we will be able to explore a possible spatial extent (halo), time variability, presence of warm absorbers and spectra of gaseous components. |
| Mission Description |
The European Space Agency's (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESA's 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 Earth's 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. |
