We propose observations of medium-z QSOs with hard X-ray spectra in a bright,hard-band selected sample of the ASCA Medium Sensitivity Survey. These objectsare considered to be bright (hence rare) counterparts of ..optically faint.objects detected at much fainter fluxes, which contribute a major part of thehard X-ray background. Due to their brightness, this sample gives us an idealopportunity to investigate the nature of the key population that makes up theCXB. The purpose of the XMM observations is to reveal the origin of the hardnessof their spectra. This study is critical for understanding of the origin of theCXB, and for a test of the standard AGN synthesis models based on the unifiedscheme of the AGNs, in particular, on the presence of luminous type-2 QSOs.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2002-12-27T20:55:42Z/2003-08-09T10:44:54Z
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 Yoshihiro Ueda, 2004, 'XMM Observations of Hard comma Optically-Faint QSOs Discovered with ASCA', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-v0qnuo0
