We propose to exploit the unprecedent troughtput of XMM-Newton toperform a systematic study of a sample of quasars in which previousless sensitive observations found evidences for X-ray absorption. The main goals are: 1- measure redshift and column density of the X-rayabsorbers; 2- assess whether absorption at the quasar redshift occurspreferentially in radio-loud objects; 3- test the correlation betweenabsortion and redshift suggested by ROSAT and ASCA data; 4- constrainthe absorber ionization status and metallicity; 5- constrain theabsorber dust content and composition through the comparison betweenthe amount of X-ray absorption and optical dust extinction.
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2003-01-31T14:00:37Z/2003-10-16T11:07:38Z
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 Fabrizio Fiore, 2004, 'Quasar absorption studies', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-zndh5ll
