We propose a 1 Msec XMM observation of the Lockman Hole. In the very hard X-rayband (5-10 keV), where XMM is uniquely sensitive, this will yield by far thedeepest survey ever, which is optimised to reach the XMM confusion limit in thisband. Detailed X-ray spectroscopy of the virgul200 brighter sources will allowprecision cosmology by constraining the properties of the obscuring medium inAGN as a function of redshift and luminosity. For a number of brighter X-raysources in the field the XMM spectra will provide unique insight in the natureof the accretion flow in the imediate vicinity of the black hole. For one of thehighest redshift clusters of galaxies we can for the first time determine thechemical abundance of the intergalactic medium.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-10-15T06:13:50Z/2002-12-07T04:45:23Z
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 Guenther Hasinger, 2004, 'Deep XMM spectroscopy in the Lockman Hole', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-bsph41a
