Surveys resolve substantial fractions of the hard cosmic X-ray backgroundinto individual sources, but the accounting is incomplete. We haveindirectly detected an AGN in an edge-on, optically normal galaxy via the observation of water megamaser emission, which elsewhere existsexclusively in type-2 AGN. We propose a 33 ksec EPIC observation toconfirm spectroscopically the presence of an AGN in IRASF01063-8034.Detection would support arguments that nearby galaxies could containpreviously unrecognized AGN, with bearing on the origin of the hard X-ray background. Detection would also suggest radio surveys of edge-on systems, looking for masers, would usefully supplement X-ray surveys.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-04-21T02:02:38Z/2003-04-21T10:44:33Z
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 Lincoln Greenhill, 2004, 'Is there an Obscured AGN in the Normal Galaxy IRASF01063-8034', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-wfa0q85
