We propose to measure the spectra of bright radio-quiet quasars, using the XMMEPIC pn and MOS detectors. The objects are taken from a sample which we havealready previously studied using the ROSAT PSPC detector. All objects areprominent radio-quiet quasars which have already been studied extensively inthe optical and X-ray spectral range. The high statistical significance of theXMM spectra will for the first time permit us to separate different soft andhard emission components based on contemporaneous data taken with the sameinstrument. In particular, using an accretion disk model code, developed by us,it will be possible to determine the properties of their accretion disks whichare thought to contribute most of the emission in the soft X-ray range.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2000-11-22T13:45:50Z/2003-01-07T03:18:06Z
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 Michael Watson, 2004, 'X-ray continua of radio-quiet quasars: Testing accretion disk models. SSC_6', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-op88k2k
